Amid discontent, Pua cites Eddie Ng's 'selfless' example

Selangor DAP chief Tony Pua has praised the late Balakong assemblyperson Eddie Ng Tien Chee’s selflessness in helping the party in by-elections despite personal misgivings about the candidate, as an example for others to follow.

He said this during Ng’s memorial service in Batu 11, Cheras, today, amid murmurs of discontent in the party grassroots about his potential replacement.  

In his speech, Pua said Ng is the first person to come to mind when it’s time to rally party members to help campaign in by-elections, but there was one by-election where Ng said he was “not too happy” about the candidate.

The Damansara MP said when he called Ng for help in the by-election, Ng voiced his misgivings but said he would help even though he was not happy about the situation.

“What is the point? The point is regardless of his feelings towards the candidate at the time, he said, ‘If the party really wants me to go, I will get ready. Give me the date, and I will get the flight tickets and bring my team over to contribute to the party’s victory.’

“This is why we admire Ng’s spirit. No matter what he does, he is not thinking about himself or his feelings, but the party is more important; the spirit of comradery must be there, we must contribute to the party.

“His spirit, his efficiency, his contributions outweigh that of many party leaders, including myself. That is why he is not only an exemplary assemblyperson but an exemplary leader,” he said.

This was one of the anecdotes about Ng that Pua shared during his speech, the other being Ng’s efforts to help his constituents cope with the 2014 Selangor water crisis by helping to mobilise volunteers and water tankers.

Ng was a three-term Kajang assemblyperson before becoming the Balakong assemblyperson in 2013. He was serving his second term in office when he was killed in an accident at KM11.7 of the Grand Saga Highway. 

He died of severe head injuries at the scene and his remains were later cremated on July 24. 

The Balakong by-election falls on Sept 8, while nomination day will be on Aug 18.

The former Astro AEC broadcast journalist Yunna Tan is reportedly tipped as the DAP candidate, but has caused discontent amongst the party grassroots, who questioned the party leadership over the rationale of fielding a party “outsider” in the election.

At the tearful memorial service today, various DAP and local community leaders spoke highly of Ng, describing him as a selfless, hardworking, and exemplary leader and elected representative.

[More to follow] - Mkini