SEREMBAN: MCA may have sat out the last state election, but it never left the ground. That was the message from Negri Sembilan MCA chief Datuk Leaw Kok Chan as he brought his campaign to the Seremban morning market here.
The Temiang candidate, on his second outing since nomination day on Saturday (July 18), said the market held special meaning for the party, which worked closely with traders after a big fire hit it four years ago.
"This market is no stranger to me. Unfortunately, there was a big fire here four years ago, so we are familiar with many of the stall owners," he told reporters during the walkabout on Saturday (July 19).
Leaw said the market was usually quiet outside weekends and public holidays, and he hoped its food would keep drawing customers.
"I hope our local food will be well received so that more customers come to the Seremban market and support the traders here. Most importantly, we hope voters will give our candidates their support," he said, describing the reception on the ground as encouraging.
"There is encouragement and there are opinions. We will collect them, review them and come up with plans for the people," he added.
Known to locals as Pasar Besar Seremban, the main market, built in 1975, is one of the town’s landmarks. In November 2017, a fire destroyed 90% of stalls on the first floor. Hawkers waited for about two months until repair and maintenance works were completed before they were allowed to operate again.
MCA did not contest the 2023 state polls, but Leaw said the party machinery never stopped running in the years since.
"Our team never stopped working. At the MCA headquarters, we are open for service every day," he said, adding that the party's Youth wing also operates a mobile service station.
Leaw, one of seven MCA candidates fielded under Barisan Nasional this time, said he would concentrate on Temiang while also campaigning for fellow candidates in other constituencies.
Asked about his plans for the next five years, he said these would be spelt out in his election pledge to be unveiled at a press conference later.
More campaign activities are lined up, he said, urging his team to "work hard and fight for every vote”.
The 16th Negri Sembilan state election will see early voting on July 28 and polling on Aug 1.
