ENGLISH educated Chia Loong Thye, the Barisan Nasional candidate for Tanjong Bunga state seat in Penang, appears to have won over the audience when he delivered his maiden speech in Mandarin.
“Ching ge wo ji hui wei ni men fu wu (please give me a chance to serve you),” he said, much to the amusement of the audience who replied with an applause.
Although his pronunciation might not sound indigenous, Chia, a lawyer by profession, certainly capped an impressive outing delivering his speech as a candidate at a dinner attended by more than 1,000 people on Sunday.
The dinner was hosted in conjunction with the deity's birthday of Hong San Si Temple in Fettes Park, a Chinese predominant area.
Going to the ground:(From right) Loong Thye, Dr Teng, Chia and Quah shaking hands with guests at a dinner.Chia, 50, said although he was a newcomer, he had helped Chief Minister and incumbent Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon in the election campaign for the past three general elections.
“Dr Koh has done a lot for the constituency. If I am elected, my first task is to provide a continuation of service to the people.
“I also want to further improve the quality of life and the living environment of the people,” he said.
Chia is contesting alongside his eldest brother Kwang Chye, who is seeking a fourth-term as Bukit Bendera MP.
Others in the Barisan’s lineup contesting state seats under the Bukit Bendera parliamentary constituency are incumbent Datuk Dr Teng Hock Nan (Pulau Tikus), incumbent Quah Kooi Heong (Kebun Bunga) and newcomer Tan Yok Cheng (Air Putih).
Earlier at the nomination centre on Sunday, Chia said Tanjong Bunga should not be considered a 'safe seat' although it was traditionally a Barisan stronghold.
“To me, each seat in Penang is considered a tough seat. There is no such thing as ‘safe’,” he said.
(Source : Star)
