Klang incumbent MP Charles gets backing of 21 local Chinese groups

 

Amidst growing speculation that incumbent Klang MP Charles Santiago may be replaced as a candidate in the upcoming general election, leaders of 21 Chinese associations in the constituency have thrown their support behind him, urging DAP to retain their hardworking people’s representative.

Members of the Gabungan Xian Tuan including Klang Hokkien Association president Goh Ah Lek, Klang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry deputy president Ter Leong Leng, and Klang Fui Chiu Association president Louis Chen were among business leaders who took turns at a thanksgiving lunch extolling his virtues.

According to Goh, Gabungan Xian Tuan’s membership comprises all the businesses and community associations in Klang.

Meanwhile, 55 percent of the 210,000-strong Klang electorate was Chinese.

Goh, who has known the three-term incumbent since his first term in 2008, said: “he has never said no to their requests. He gives willingly and he will attend our events as well.

“Charles has a very effective team doing a very good job in Klang, so I am not sure why the party is considering replacing him.

“We don’t know if the next MP will be able to perform as well as Charles, so why change something that is working so well,” said Goh.

Goh urged the party to retain Charles, reasoning that he was not someone who was functioning at 80 percent but more.

“We fully support Charles if he remains as the candidate for the Klang constituency,” said Chen.

Last month, Charles denied plans to vacate the Klang seat amid speculation that Seri Kembangan state assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah was eyeing the seat.

Charles, who is also chairperson of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, has been enjoying an increasing majority margin in the past three general elections from 17,701 in 2008, 24,685 in 2008 and 78,773 in 2018.

Charles, in turn, thanked all the associations who were quick to provide aid and assistance in cash and kindness during the pandemic and the mass flooding in late 2021.

Incumbent Klang MP Charles Santiago visiting flood victims in his constituency in December last year

This included post-flood house repairs and equipment needed by flood victims.

Among others present were Hokkien Association of Malaysia honorary president Ng Bee Chai, businessperson Tan Kok Chui and world-class Lion dance exponent master Siow Ho Phiew, whose Hong Teik Lion and Dragon Dance Association has made Charles their first non-Chinese adviser.

Siow shared that he had never come across an Indian MP who was keen to host a Chinese Lion Dance competition which, owing to its popularity, was held for the second consecutive year in June.

Titled Muhibah Cup, Charles said he would host the third challenge next year as well. - Mkini