YONG PENG: Barisan Nasional has unofficially retained the Yong Peng state seat, with MCA candidate Ling Tian Soon claiming victory after taking a commanding lead in the vote count.
As of 8.34pm, Ling had secured 12,959 votes, defeating Pakatan Harapan candidate Yong Hui Yi, who garnered 7,977 votes, giving him a majority of 4,982 votes. A total of 21,197 votes were cast out of 34,023 registered voters, with voter turnout recorded at 62.3%.
Ling arrived at the Yong Peng MCA branch office with his wife, Chen Ting Ting, at about 7.55pm. They were greeted by jubilant supporters celebrating the unofficial result.
Addressing the crowd, Ling thanked voters and his campaign machinery for their support, describing the election as a tough contest.
"Winning this state election was not easy," he said. "Many national leaders, ministers and deputy ministers came to campaign in Yong Peng, but we managed to defend the seat."
He also credited the victory to the commitment of local supporters.
"You know who has worked hard and who has truly helped Yong Peng," he said. "Without the people of Yong Peng, I would not be standing here today."
Ling pledged to continue serving the constituency by remaining accessible to residents and working hard for the community.
"I will continue to serve diligently, continue going to the ground and stay with the people of Yong Peng," he said.
"This is our hometown and our home. Let us continue to protect and develop Yong Peng together."
Holding back his emotions, Ling expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the campaign machinery.
"I know many of you volunteered without expecting anything in return," he said.
"Thank you for your sincere support and for helping us achieve this victory in Yong Peng."
In the 2022 Johor state election, Ling won the Yong Peng seat with 9,870 votes. He defeated Pakatan candidate Tee Boon Tsong and Perikatan Nasional candidate Yong Fui Ling by a 2,741-vote majority.
