MCA begins work in Bukit Gelugor

(The Star) – The MCA has started preparatory works for the Bukit Gelugor by-election even though it is yet to be decided if the party would contest the seat.

“Whether to fight or not is secondary as it is for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and the party president (Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai) to decide,” said MCA deputy president Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong.

“A comprehensive survey was conducted last week to collect feedback from those living in the Bukit Gelugor parliamentary constituency and the survey was wide ranging in spectrum.

“Some of the questions were on national issues, crime rate, living cost, goods and services tax (GST), Islamic state, corruption, pollution, economic development, government bureaucracy, the handling of MH370 and others,” he told a press conference at the Bukit Gelugor MCA division service centre in Jalan Tembaga yesterday.

Dr Wee said the survey was conducted in a very scientific manner.

“It also touched on the characteristics of an ideal candidate. The report showed that the people wanted a capable, high integrity and vocal candidate who listens to the people,” he said.

He said the report was tabled during the presidential council meeting on Tuesday.

On voters’ sentiments for the late Karpal Singh, Dr Wee said: “If we join in the fray (to contest in the by-election), we will have to do our best.”

He said Penang MCA liaison committee chairman Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun had been appointed the state MCA election director while Datuk Koay Kar Huah was the Bukit Gelugor election director.