MELAKA: Five years after seeking help for a hearing aid, an 88-year-old grandfather has become an unlikely campaign sensation, winning hearts during the recent Negri Sembilan state election.
Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh said the octogenarian, affectionately known as “Uncle Wong”, had become an instant social media star and could even become one of Barisan Nasional’s poster boys in the next Melaka state election.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Jelajah Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) programme for the Duyong constituency at Madrasah Helyatil Auliya Addiniah Al-Arabiyah here on Sunday, Ab Rauf said Wong’s popularity reflected the unity and harmony that the historic city was proud to uphold.
The programme also saw 10 Taoist temples in Duyong receive financial assistance from the state government.
“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,” he said.
Ab Rauf said the state government would never allow differences in race, religion or background to divide the people.
Looking at Wong, whose full name is Vong Fook Hoi @ Bong Song, the Chief Minister joked that the elderly man had become so popular that he was destined for an even bigger role.
“I am also delighted to see Uncle Wong here.
“You’ve become very popular and will soon be the Melaka polls’ poster boy,” he told Wong, who was at the event.
Wong first captured public attention after seeking help from Duyong assemblyman Datuk Mohd Noor Helmy Abdul Halem to obtain a hearing aid.
The simple act of helping an elderly constituent eventually blossomed into an unlikely friendship with the Duyong assemblyman, who has more than 1.5 million social media followers and regularly featured Wong in light-hearted videos that resonated with Malaysians.
Their friendship later extended to the campaign trail during the recently concluded Negri Sembilan state election, where Wong accompanied Mohd Noor Helmy and quickly endeared himself to both voters and social media users with his cheerful personality and genuine interactions.
When contacted yesterday, Mohd Noor Helmy said his friendship with Wong began five years ago when he was serving as a local councillor.
“Uncle came to me seeking financial assistance and help to obtain a hearing aid.
“At that time, I did not have much funding, so I uploaded a video about him and eventually managed to secure sponsorship for the hearing aid.
“I enjoy spending time with him. He has a cheerful personality, and people naturally warm up 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 said.
