Mei Fun Makes Heads Turn

PETALING Jaya Utara incumbent MP Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun was made to change her clothes when she arrived at the nomination centre early yesterday.

Some supporters quipped that Chew was having a little fashion show when she changed from her yellow party uniform into an orange shirt at the nearby home of a resident.

Chew had to change her clothes as wearing party uniforms was not allowed inside the nomination centre.

Other than this slight entertaining episode, everything went smoothly at the nomination centre.

The Petaling Jaya Utara parliamentary constituency and the two state seats within it, meanwhile, will see one-on-one battles between the Barisan Nasional and the DAP.

Chew, the Wanita MCA deputy chief, is challenged by DAP debutant Tony Pua Kiam Wee, the economic adviser to party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng, for the parliamentary seat.

For state seat of Kampung Tunku, Petaling Jaya Selatan MCA Youth chief Sheah Kok Fah is representing the Barisan to slug it out with Selangor DAP secretary Lau Weng San.

The Damansara Utama state seat will see a straight fight between two newcomers. Former TV broadcaster Victor Gu Chian Peow, who joined MCA about a year ago, is the Barisan candidate against Dr Cheah Wing Yin of the DAP.

Earlier yesterday, hundreds of Barisan supporters gathered as early as 7am off Jalan SS2/54 near SRJK (C) Puay Chai, the nomination centre for Petaling Jaya Utara, to wait for the candidates to file their nominations.

Those accompanying Chew to the nomination centre included incumbent Kampung Tunku assemblyman Datuk Dr Wong Sai Hou, MCA Education Bureau chairman Datuk Lee Sing Chooi and MCA Public Services and Complaints Depart-ment head Datuk Michael Chong.

The names of the candidates were announced by the election official just before noon, with no objections made against both parties.

After the announcement, Chew said she was relieved and happy that everything went smoothly despite her having forgotten to appoint a representative to check her nomination form.

“I think my chances are good, but I will work hard to win, and I will also assist the Barisan state candidates in their campaigns,” Chew said.

Although a newcomer, Gu is confident that his youth and his intimate knowledge of the constituency will be an advantage.

“My youth makes me a dynamic force for progress,” said Gu, who grew up in Damansara Utama.

“Instead of dwelling on my chances of winning, I am focusing on how to deliver my message to the constituents,” he said.

Sheah said he would work closely with Chew to serve the people.

“It’s a strategy of an incumbent (Chew) guiding two new faces (Gu and Sheah) and we will all serve the people,” Sheah said.