YB. R.S.N RAYER - A.D.U.N. SERI DELIMA, PENANG

MCA candidate Datuk Koay Kar Huah’s first step to move to federal politics would not be an easy task as he is facing DAP stalwart Karpal Singh at the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat.

The three-term incumbent Seri Delima assemblyman said the fight would be a tough one.

“I don’t know my chances but I am going to do my best to serve the people there,” he said.

Koay said he had proven track records in the constituency and would continue to work for the voters there.

For Karpal, the constituency held a sentimental value for him, especially when it was the only seat captured by the opposition when 17 new seats were created in a delineation exercise for the 2004 election.

“This is the reason I wanted to present myself once again to the people, hoping they will reconsider me as their MP,” he said.

The 68-year-old lawyer, who was wheelchair-bound after an accident, said his physical condition would not hamper his ability to continue serving the people there.

DAP candidates (right to left) Wong Hon Wai (Air Itam), R.S.N. Rayer (Seri Delima), Karpal Singh (Bukit Gelugor) and Yeoh Soon Hin (Paya Terubong) at the nomination centre.

DAP is playing ‘professional’ cards in their Bukit Gelugor battle, fielding four lawyers – Karpal, R.S.N. Rayer (Seri Delima state seat), Wong Hon Wan (Air Itam state seat) and Yeoh Soon Hin (Paya Terubong state seat).

Wong said they would use their professional knowledge to help the people in the constituency.

However, Paya Terubong MCA candidate Koh Wan Leong said a full-time assemblyman would help serve the constituency better.

The former teacher, who resigned recently to concentrate on his political career, said he would be contributing his time for the constituents, helping them to solve their problems effectively.

Earlier yesterday, hundreds of supporters from both Barisan Nasional and DAP gathered outside SM Chung Hwa Confucian to support their candidates. They waved flags and shouted slogans.

Although processions were not allowed, the candidates and their supporters had taken part in a short march on the road leading to the school compound.

The Barisan team – Koay, Loh, Koh and Air Itam Gerakan candidate Cheang Chee Gooi – arrived at the school at 8.50am. They were flanked by supporters chanting “Barisan Nasional wan sui (long live Barisan Nasional), Koay Kar Huah wan sui (long live Koay)”.

They were subsequently followed by the DAP all-lawyer team with their supporters carrying party flags and eye-catching Rocket Kid placards.