Mahkota by-election: Akmal-Teresa dispute is personal, shouldn't sway voters' decisions
Instead, voters should focus on choosing a leader who will serve their best interests and provide effective representation, rather than letting personal conflicts between politicians dictate their decision.
KLUANG - The ongoing dispute between Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh and DAP vice-president Teresa Kok is a personal issue and should not influence voters' choices in the Mahkota by-election, says Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi.
Instead, Wong said voters should focus on choosing a leader who will serve their best interests and provide effective representation, rather than letting personal conflicts between politicians dictate their decision.
"This by-election is for us to select a candidate who can work with YB Chew (Mengkibol assemblyman Chew Chong Sin) and myself (Kluang MP) as a "tag team" to look after the interests of the people in Kluang.
"We're not choosing an assemblyman for a different area; we're selecting the Mahkota assemblyman for the people of Mahkota and Kluang.
"So, it's important to choose the best candidate," she told reporters at the Kluang Coffee Factory, here, today.
With only three days remaining before the by-election, opposition parties were alleged to have used the Akmal-Teresa disagreement in an attempt to weaken support for Barisan Nasional (BN) and the unity government.
Some groups have allegedly used scare tactics to deter Chinese voters, spreading anonymous letters in several residential areas, urging them to "punish" Umno.
Wong further expressed hope that outstation BN voters would return to Mahkota again to fulfill their responsibility this Saturday.
She acknowledged that a significant number of Chinese voters in Mahkota had just returned to their hometowns last week for the Lantern Festival and may be reluctant to make the trip back this Saturday.
However, she stressed the importance of their votes in ensuring political stability, not only in Johor but across Malaysia.
"Their votes for BN are very meaningful as they will provide full support and confidence for the state government to continue advancing Johor.
"It will also give confidence to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani government to attract more foreign investments to Malaysia, the benefits of which will also be enjoyed by the people of Johor," she said.
Wong also pointed out that foreign investors are closely watching Malaysia's political climate and Mahkota voters have a role in maintaining stability through their participation in the election.
