MELAKA: Voters should see what elected representatives achieved over the past five years before deciding who deserves their support in the coming Melaka polls, says Datuk Chong Sin Woon.
The MCA secretary-general said voters should examine whether incumbent assemblymen fulfilled their manifestos, rather than supporting a party out of habit.
"Look at their track record. What did they promise in their manifestoes five years ago and how many of those promises have they fulfilled?" he said at a ceramah in Bandar Hilir on Friday (Nov 6).
Chong said voters should choose representatives who understand local issues, are accessible to residents and genuinely committed to serving.
He said MCA hoped to win the Bandar Hilir and Kota Laksamana seats to give the party an opportunity to bring new voices into the Melaka state assembly.
He said candidates are familiar with the local community and the challenges facing the historic city, which needs continued efforts to revitalise its old town, attract visitors and create more business opportunities.
Citing Johor as an example, Chong said MCA had increased its number of state assemblymen from four to eight, with its representatives working to help residents and resolve their problems over the past five years.
He said voters should give capable candidates a chance, regardless of whether they were new faces or represented a particular political party.
Chong also criticised DAP's record in government, saying the party had made repeated promises of reform but voters were still waiting to see meaningful changes.
He said the Chinese electorate had given DAP strong support over the years in the hope that the party would address inequalities and bring about reforms.
However, voters should not be expected to continue backing DAP without questioning its performance, he said.
"Chinese voters do not owe DAP a single vote," he said, adding that the community should not be treated as the party's "fixed deposit".
He said the election was an opportunity for voters to send a message that they want practical policies to address their concerns, rather than more political slogans and promises.
Chong called on voters in Bandar Hilir and Kota Laksamana to give MCA's candidates a chance in the Nov 14 polls.
