Mei Fun: Vote for a stronger Selangor opposition

MCA vice-president Chew Mei Fun in her debut as BN's Kajang by-election candidate urged the people of Kajang to vote for a stronger opposition.

"I appeal for the support of Kajang voters so that I may be elected as the Kajang state assemblyperson to further strengthen the state’s opposition and our role as a check and balance against the Selangor Pakatan Rakyat government," she said in a statement today.

She added that her victory would create a healthier two-party system in the state assembly.

Chew will be facing off with PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim as well as several other independent candidates, including former minister Zaid Ibrahim (right, in picture).

She noted that the by-election was a result of PKR's internal politics and her entry into the by-election was to give the rakyat a chance to "protect the spirit of democracy".

"We do not want to see any quarters whose intent is to simply manipulate democratic principles," she said.

Chew acknowledged that she faced an uphill challenge against a "world-class leader" but touted her experience as former Petaling Jaya Utara MP.

"I vow that I will continue to be an elected representative who is easily accessible and contactable to the public, one who truly assists the rakyat," she said.

The ex-MCA Wanita chief appeared to be taking a swipe at PKR deputy president Azmin Ali (left), who earned brickbats after saying that Kajang folk should be grateful that a world-class leader such as Anwar would be contesting in constituency.

The Kajang by-election - dubbed the ‘Kajang Move’ - was triggered by the resignation of PKR's Lee Chin Cheh to make way for Anwar.

The move appears to be a bid to quell discontent within Selangor PKR, which has been at odds with current Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim.

Anwar had hinted that he may replace Khalid if he wins the by-election.

In 2013, PKR won the Kajang state seat in a six-corner fight with a 6,824-vote majority.

BN came in second place with 12,747 votes. The other contenders were Berjasa and three independent candidates.

Nomination day is fixed for March 11 with polling day scheduled for March 23.