Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) Selangor’s associate wing chairman, Datuk Goh Gaik Meng, says the party has proven that it is for all races, by fielding 10 non-Malay candidates for the Aug 12 state elections in Selangor.
Goh also said the associate wing hopes to have a more significant voice within the party after it holds an election later this year, or early next year.
“Let us fight to win Selangor, and then we will hold internal elections to select the new associate wing leaders,” said Goh, a former MCA Youth leader.
“Once we finalise our new committee, we are confident of having more say in the party.”
On the Selangor elections, Goh said he was confident of upsetting four-term assemblyman, Ng Suee Lim.
Goh is contesting in Sekinchan, while his deputy, S. Ganapragasam, is running in Subang Jaya.
The other eight associate members nominated are R. Rejean Kumar (Rawang), Che Han Keai (Teratai), Allan Liew Sin Kin (Kajang), Steve Lai (Balakong), Ken Liau (Seri Kembangan), Wong Yong Kang (Kinrara), Ruby Chin (Kampung Tunku), and B. Gunalan (Pandamaran).
“The associate wing will contest in 10 of the 56 seats in Selangor. It shows the party’s sincerity. How can anyone say that the party discriminates against non-Malay members?” said Goh.
“Many have this misconception that Bersatu is a party for Malays and Muslims, but I can assure you, that is not the case.
“The president (Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin) decided to change the party’s constitution to include an associate wing, as he wanted to open the party to all races.”
Goh said he has spoken to many Sekinchan residents and claimed that Ng (Pakatan Harapan-DAP) had failed to address many of the problems faced by the residents.
“Ng has been the assemblyman since 2004. I have spoken to many residents, and they are frustrated that he has not fulfilled many of his promises,” said Goh, whose priority, should he win, is to push through reforms to ensure more affordable housing.
“Most of the residents in Sekinchan are involved in agriculture or fishing. It is not a rich community.
“They need more affordable houses in the area. That will be one area which I will concentrate on, but there are many other issues to solve.”
Ng became Sekinchan assemblyman in 2004 when he defeated Chia Kim Lem (Barisan Nasional-MCA) by 344 votes.
Five years later, he defeated Puah Boon Choon (Barisan Nasional-MCA) by a slimmer margin of 190 votes.
In 2013, he increased his majority to 2,239 over Kek Seng Hooi (Barisan Nasional-MCA), but won by 2,844 votes in 2018.
However, in a three-cornered fight five years ago, Ng received 7,863 votes, while Lee Yee Yuan (Barisan Nasional-MCA) earned 5,019 votes. Pas’ Mohd Fadzin Taslimin got 2,351.
Significantly, support for Ng dropped by 6.39 per cent in 2018.
As such, Goh is optimistic that he can repay his supporters by unseating his opponent.
“We are not a rich party, and I would like to thank some of my well-wishers for helping me in this election,” he said.
“I have to plan my budget properly, but I am confident we can beat Ng.
“We want change, and I am confident of delivering that change for Sekinchan.”
