BN scores coup with widow as Batu Sapi candidate
By Clara Chooi, The Malaysian Insider
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 — As expected, Barisan Nasional (BN) today announced as its candidate for the Batu Sapi by-election in Sabah Linda Tsen Thau Lin, the 54-year-old widow of the late Datuk Edmund Chong Ket Wah.
Tsen’s candidacy is a coup for BN because of the popularity of her late husband, whose death two weeks ago from a road accident triggered the by-election.
Her campaign to replace her husband will rely on the emotional attachment many in the constituency had for Chong, a popular MP with strong ties within the community.
Even her strongest rival, Datuk Yong Teck Lee of SAPP, is close to her family.
Yesterday, The Malaysian Insider had quoted Sandakan MP Datuk VK Liew as pointing out the advantages of a Tsen candidacy.
He said it would be a difficult fight for the SAPP, pointing out that candidate, Yong, was a good friend to Chong and his family, including his wife Tsen.
“Edmund was everybody’s good friend. Such a nice man, so friendly, and also a very good friend of mine. It was a tragedy that caused him to pass away and I think people still remember that,” he said.
In naming her today as BN’s choice, Chief Minister Datuk Musa Aman described Tsen as a capable woman who would serve Batu Sapi well.
“It is now time for all Barisan component parties to work together to ensure victory,” he said.
Tsen and Chong have four children — daughters Jamie Chong Sing Yi, 23; Charlene Chong Tze Yi, 20; and Steffi Chong Han Yi, 18; and son, Douglas Chong Zheng Yi, 13.
The children are expected to be part of the campaign to have their mother replace their father as federal lawmaker.
Chong, who was the PBS treasurer general, had been a two-term MP for Batu Sapi.
