PALOH: Voters should judge candidates by their record instead of speculative narratives and recycled political attacks, says MCA’s Lee Ting Han.
In dismissing claims that a vote for Barisan Nasional in Paloh would benefit Perikatan Nasional and PAS, the MCA candidate said the attacks against him were not new and, in some cases, echoed the same arguments once used before the 2018 general election.
Lee said his rivals should look at political history before making such claims.
“Instead of creating speculative narratives, it is better to use history and actual political actions as the basis for judgment,” he said in an interview on Tuesday (June 30).
Lee said claims linked to the possible appointment of assemblymen were also misleading, as the Johor constitution was clear that an appointed assemblyman had no executive power.
“An appointed assemblyman cannot become an exco member or mentri besar,” he said.
He added that it was wrong to suggest that the Johor Mentri Besar could appoint anyone at will.
“In Johor, this is not something the Mentri Besar can decide on his own. It involves the consent of the Sultan.
“There is a process, and people should not simplify it just to mislead voters,” he said.
Lee described remarks such as “buy one, free one” as outdated and inaccurate.
“If they know the law, they should tell their colleagues not to mislead the public,” he said.
He also took aim at criticisms previously levelled at Barisan over government allocations during campaigns.
“Before 2018, whenever the Barisan government announced allocations, they called it vote-buying or intimidation.
“Today, they seem to be doing similar things. Do they not feel embarrassed?” he said.
He said Barisan in Johor, under Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, had started to change its image and focus on what he described as progressive and practical politics.
On claims that he was not often seen in Paloh, Lee said he understood the criticism but noted that his previous role as a state executive councillor also required him to handle matters beyond the constituency.
“I am not only the assemblyman; I was also a state exco member, so much of my work involved the whole state.
“But we have a team on the ground — local councillors, village leaders and service teams — who continue to serve residents,” he said.
Lee said his weekends were usually reserved for Paloh, with Fridays included when his schedule allowed.
“My fixed days are usually Saturday and Sunday in Paloh, and sometimes Friday as well,” he said.
However, he said politics should not be reduced to photo opportunities.
“There has been enough of photo politics. Sometimes it is necessary because it creates pressure on agencies or the government to act.
“But standing in front for a photo while others do the work behind the scenes — that kind of politics is enough,” he said.
Lee said voters should look at what had been delivered over the past four years, rather than judge a representative by how often he was photographed shaking hands.
“Local service must be done well first. Only then do we talk about national politics, bigger policies and direction,” he said.
Lee is facing Dr Ruban of DAP, representing Pakatan Harapan, and D.S. Jeevan of MIPP, representing Perikatan Nasional, in the Paloh contest.
