The MCA said the state government would not be at stake as the general election was over.

Local resident Tan, who owns a hardware store, presented a four-point document that promises to check the Selangor government against corruption and abuse of power.

“There should not be any more U-turns and Pakatan should stop finding excuses to dupe the rakyat,” he added.

Aside from voicing local issues and ensuring Balakong’s continued development, Tan said he would help his party carry out its transformation as it works out a new political direction towards contributing to both country and society.

Among the local issues highlighted by Tan are the need to upgrade the road system around Balakong and the abolition of tolls as promised by Pakatan in its manifesto.

“Balakong residents are hemmed in by tolls going to Kuala Lumpur, going to Sungai Chua, and heading to Semenyih and Sungai Long.

“Previously, Pakatan talked about abolishing tolls, and now that they’re in power, they find that they can’t abolish them. They should at least lower the toll charges which are adding to the rakyat’s burden,” he said.

Tan said he also hoped to push for the local waste collection and disposal system to be improved and for the state government to build an integrated waste disposal centre to solve dumping in his constituency.

MCA vice-president and central committee member Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, who also spoke at the manifesto launch, hit out at DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng for stirring up racial sentiments.

“We may be a Chinese-based party but we are a party for all races and we serve everyone.

“Lim, as an MP and Finance Minister, should focus on helping the rakyat, especially now with the exchange rate at RM4.10 to the US dollar, otherwise even with the abolition of the Goods and Services Tax, prices will rise,” said Chew.

Lim had on Saturday, the nomination day for the Balakong by-election, said MCA’s use of its own logo in the by-election could cause disunity among the people. He noted that on the contrary, Pakatan was using its logo – a first for the coalition – for the by-election.

Asked later if MCA’s decision to contest under its own party logo meant there was dissent within the Barisan Nasional ranks, Chew said other parties had not disparaged the move and MCA welcomed support from all quarters, including Umno and PAS, to ensure a healthy opposition against Pakatan.

Yesterday also saw the launch of MCA Youth’s machinery to assist in Tan’s campaign, with the wing’s chief Datuk Chong Sin Woon and other members showing up to show their support.

-The Star-