Largest Chinese business, community associations in Klang back Santiago to remain as MP

KLANG – Influential Chinese groups have rallied behind incumbent Klang MP Charles Santiago following speculation that he will be replaced in the coming general election.

At a lunch today, leaders representing the largest Chinese business and community associations expressed hope that Santiago will be retained.

Among them were local luminaries such as legendary lion dance troupe master Siow Ho Phiew, Klang Hokkien Association president Datuk Goh Ah Lek, and Klang Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (KCCCI) representative Ter Leong Leng.

Others in attendance were the Hokkien Association of Malaysia honorary president Datuk Ng Bee Chai, prominent local business leader Datuk Seri Tan Kok Chui, and Fui Chui Association president Louis Chen.

The group opined that any changes in local community leadership, whether from the ballot box or through internal party politicking, will directly impact the improvements and development plans that are already in place.

“I’ve heard of the rumours that he might be replaced. I don’t want to interfere in party matters but why are they doing that? 

“Why fix something that is not broken? Even if you replace him, the newcomer might not do a good job.

“It’s not like Santiago is not doing a good job. He is doing good work here. If we have a new representative, we don’t know their performance level. We might have to start from scratch. So, why do you want to waste time?

“It’s not like he isn’t performing, he got about 70% to 80% votes during the last election. 

“We would understand if his own local support is lacking but he has a lot of support here,” Goh told reporters after the lunch meeting.

Backing from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Similarly, KCCCI representative Ter Leong Leng pointed out that Santiago has been fully supportive of the business community, having helped improve the living conditions in the city, reducing crime rates and increasing cleanliness.

Among the programmes Santiago backed, as Ter recalled, include the 2017 Klang City Rejuvenation Project – where the Chamber of Commerce had opted to play a role and assist the community instead of just relying on their MP and the government.

“I remember those days when we launched the Klang City Rejuvenation Project in 2017 because we saw that many things were not going the right way in Klang, in terms of tourism and such.

“We from the Chamber of Commerce try to play our role from the community side and not just rely on the MP and government to rejuvenate Klang to become a more livable city.

“For our project, YB (Santiago) supported this project ever since we started. Every time we invite YB Charles he’s always there to support our programme. We had the Klang Heritage Fest, the Klang run, (and) YB has always been there supporting us.

“We can see he does a lot for the community. Last December, we saw him everywhere. We can see he has a plan in his mind but of course executing these measures will take time. Rome wasn’t built overnight,” said Ter.

Santiago supports Chinese people and their culture

Another anecdote shared during lunch came from renowned lion dance master Siow whose story tickled those who attended the lunch.

“It was very weird getting support for a lion dance competition from an Indian MP. It was the first time I heard of it. But that is who Santiago is. He is a friend. If there is no third term (for Santiago), then I hope the person who takes over will continue to help with the competition.

“If not, then the person who takes over does not appreciate Chinese people and culture. I wish that YB Charles will continue to serve Klang,” said Siow.

Recently questions were asked when constituents noticed Seri Kembangan assemblyman and former state executive councillor Ean Yong Hian Wah canvassing the constituency to present himself as a replacement for Santiago.

Subsequently, Yong had said at the moment, no decision regarding his possible candidacy in Klang has been made by the top brass, adding that any decision will be made by the party leadership.

“No comment, no comment, this was not my decision. No comment.”

This will inadvertently put Yong’s own service record in Seri Kembangan under scrutiny and the party leadership on the back foot on questions as to why he is better than Santiago as a candidate to serve Klang. – The Vibes, October 14, 2022