Mukhriz now vows to help the Chinese

SUNGAI LIMAU Taking a different tone from his previous reported statements distancing the Chinese community, Kedah Menteri Besar Mukriz Mahathir now assures that he will indeed help the community.

The son of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said this while meeting the Chinese community at MCA's by-election operation centre at Sungai Limau Dalam in Yan, Kedah, today.

"I know there are not-so-nice reports about my statement, but please don't bother about it," he said, drawing applause from the Chinese crowd.

"I know that Chinese community has many requests, I'll help and listen to you," he added.

He also asked voters to think of their children's faces while casting their ballots on Nov 4, as the event was "important" for the future generation.

"Please try to think of our children's faces, because the cross that we want to draw (on the ballot ticket) is for our children's future.

"It's very easy, you just draw two strokes and get a big effect," he said.

'A better lifestyle awaits'

In September, Mukhriz reportedly said that he would not entertainrequest from Chinese schools in the state, as he could not help those who did not support BN in the last general election.

This was followed by a statement by him on Friday that the Sungai Limau by-election is the best opportunity for the Chinese to prove that they support BN.

Mukhriz today had also assured Sungai Limau voters, that there would be big changes in store for the sleepy rural constituency.

"If you want development and better lifestyle, then vote for BN on Nov 4, I'll come down and settle your problems," he said.

Also present were Gurun state assemblyperson Dr Leong Yong Kong and former MCA president Ong Tee Keat.

Mukhriz had announced that he would recommend Dr Leong to be the state exco as the sole Chinese representative.

In their just-concluded EGM on Oct 20, MCA central delegates had reversed the party's early resolutions to reject government post at state level.