MELAKA: A doctor seeking to break into Melaka politics is banking on practical solutions to local problems, greater accountability and community healthcare to win over voters in Kesidang.
Parti Bersama Malaysia candidate Dr Bryan Kek is hoping to mount a strong challenge, despite Pakatan Harapan’s 10,237-vote majority in the constituency in the 2021 state election.
He said voters were increasingly judging candidates on their competence, accountability and ability to address everyday concerns.
“Public representation must be an institutional guarantee, not a personal favour,” he said in an interview yesterday.
DAP’s Allex Seah Shoo Chin won Kesidang under the Pakatan banner in the last state election with 14,769 votes.
Dr Kek, who runs a medical practice in Batu Berendam, identified recurring flash floods and drainage failures as key issues he would prioritise if elected.
He proposed an independent engineering audit to identify drainage bottlenecks, tighter monitoring of maintenance works and greater community involvement in inspecting flood-prone areas ahead of the monsoon season.
On accountability, Dr Kek pledged to publish details of his office’s allocations and expenditures within 100 days of being elected.
He also proposed a complaint management system that would provide for on-site inspections within 48 hours and progress updates within 14 days for cases referred to the relevant authorities.
Drawing on his medical background, Dr Kek aims to introduce a community home-care pilot within six months, enlisting volunteer healthcare professionals to assist bedridden senior citizens and low-income households.
Addressing concerns that Bersama’s entry into the contest could split the vote, Dr Kek said the party would give residents an additional choice.
“Voters do not belong to political coalitions, and no party owns their ballots by default,” he said.
He also said a hung state assembly was a possibility, arguing that representatives outside the established political blocs could play a meaningful role in providing checks and balances.
Meanwhile in Putrajaya, PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim said several young leaders are expected to be fielded as candidates.
He said the wing had submitted several names to the party’s top leadership for consideration.
While the exact number of young candidates could not be confirmed as yet, Muhammad Kamil said those chosen possessed their own strengths and capabilities.
