Local farmer to contest as independent in Cameron polls

 CAMERON POLLS | A local farmer has announced that he will contest in the Cameron Highlands by-election as an independent candidate.

Wong Seng Yee, 40, who was born and raised in Cameron Highlands, holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Science from University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He is also an activist involved in Cameron Highlands Agriculture Association (PPPCH), Cameron Highlands Flower Growers Association, and Regional Environmental Awareness Cameron Highlands (Reach).

Wong said that he had decided to contest since the by-election was announced and that even though he is taunted as “cannon fodder” by the local community, Wong thinks that the by-election is the platform to highlight issues faced in the highlands.

“It doesn’t matter whether I win or lose. The important thing is to bring up the issues, to voice our opinions and suggestions.

“I hope these (issues) can be raised in Parliament. Even if I lose, I hope the government will look into the matters I highlight,” he added.

The issues in Cameron Highlands, Wong said, included environment, agriculture, tourism and transport, and labour force in the farming industry.

He claimed that he has no political background and is not a member of any political party.

To contest in this by-election, Wong said he would use his own money to pay the deposit, with some help from his family.

The local farmer also plans to seek donations during the campaign period, and he promised to update the donation amount on his Facebook everyday to be transparent to voters and donors.

Yesterday BN had announced its candidate, former top police officer Ramli Mohd Nor, an Orang Asli from Cameron Highlands. He will be contesting as a BN direct candidate.

DAP, meanwhile, will be fielding M Manogaran in the by-election. This will be Manogaran's third time contesting the seat.

Disputed MyPPP president M Kayveas had also announced he would be contesting the seat.

The Cameron Highlands parliamentary constituency comprises of 34 percent Malay voters, Chinese (30 percent), Orang Asli (22 percent) and Indians (15 percent).

 - Mkini