MELAKA: Melaka Chief Minister Ab Rauf Yusoh suggests 88-year-old resident “Uncle Wong” could become a Barisan Nasional poster boy in the upcoming state elections.
Ab Rauf spoke on Sunday (Aug 2) at the conclusion of the Jelajah Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) at Madrasah Helyatil Auliya Addiniah Al-Arabiyah.
The event also saw ten Taoist temples in the constituency receive state financial assistance. He stated Vong's popularity reflected local harmony.
"Uncle, you have strengthened the landscape of the historic city's harmonious society.
"At a time when society is sometimes tested by sentiments that can divide us, our task is not to widen the gap but to build bridges," said Ab Rauf.
"I am also delighted to see Uncle Wong here.
"You have become very popular now, and soon you will be the poster boy during the Melaka polls," he said.
Vong Fook Hoi @ Bong Song, affectionately known as "Uncle Wong” gained social media attention after seeking help from Duyong assemblyman Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem for a hearing aid five years ago.
Mohd Noor Helmy secured hearing aid sponsorship for Uncle Wong and featured him in videos. Uncle Wong subsequently joined Mohd Noor Helmy on the Negri Sembilan campaign trail.
Mohd Noor Helmy said Uncle Wong's family also lived in Duyong and that the pair had remained close over the years.
"I enjoy spending time with him. He has a cheerful personality and people naturally warm to him.
"I decided to bring him along during the Negri Sembilan election campaign because of our friendship, and I never expected Malaysians to embrace him the way they did," he added.
