The prime minister wants me to contest and I have no choice, says Yong
KUCHING: Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng yesterday confirmed that he will be defending Stampin in the 13th general election following a request by BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“The prime minister asked me to contest again so I have no choice but to contest,” the fi ve-term MP told reporters after offi ciating at the Kuching Chung Hua Primary and Middle Schools Sports Day at Jubilee Ground here yesterday.
Prior to this announcement, Yong had on many occasions over the past couple of years said he would not seek re-election as he wanted to retire and spend time with his family.
Acceding to his wish, SUPP nominated its Youth secretarygeneral Wilfred Yap to defend the BN stronghold.
However, things took a surprising twist in recent weeks when calls started rolling in for Yong to reconsider his quit decision as they considered him to be the most winnable BN candidate.
Yong said he was happy that both Yap and SUPP Kota Sentosa branch deputy chairman Lo Khere Chiang, who had also hoped to be picked for Stampin, had offered to help him in the forthcoming polls.
He, however, expressed regret over statements by the opposition who accused him of “breaking his promise” to retire.
“The opposition tried to paint me as if I have broken my promise. In fact, the statements I made before (about retiring) were not a promise but my wish which I could not fulfil.
“I also have my future plans so I hope the people understand (my situation).”
Meanwhile, at the Hui Sing Kwan Sen Kung Temple’s annual dinner here on Thursday, Yong described the 15-day campaigning period as “sufficient”.
“It may be a little bit long for urban seats but sufficient for rural areas because campaigners will have to visit many longhouses. Some of these villages can only be reached by boat and by foot so a longer (campaigning) time suits the campaigners.”
He added that his main concern about the relatively long campaigning period was that it would be very tiring and costly for parties from both sides of the political divide.
Yap, who was also present at the dinner, urged Stampin electorate to give their full support to Yong.
He hoped the voters would not be easily swayed by the opposition, who often slammed the BN government as corrupt but without providing any evidence.
“The opposition always talk about corruption (in BN) without providing any evidence. There is no use making any accusation without providing evidence.
“Therefore, I urge the people to help curb corruption by reporting to the police if they have the evidence (on corruption).”
Yap, who is a practising lawyer, opined that SUPP hated corruption and was committed in fighting it.
“The opposition always raise this issue but we also want to tell them that we also hate corruption.”
Yap also hit out at Bandar Kuching incumbent Chong Chieng Jen for failing to help tackle corruption in the country although he had been an MP since 2004.- theborneopost
KUCHING: Deputy Works Minister Datuk Yong Khoon Seng yesterday confirmed that he will be defending Stampin in the 13th general election following a request by BN chairman Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“The prime minister asked me to contest again so I have no choice but to contest,” the fi ve-term MP told reporters after offi ciating at the Kuching Chung Hua Primary and Middle Schools Sports Day at Jubilee Ground here yesterday.
Prior to this announcement, Yong had on many occasions over the past couple of years said he would not seek re-election as he wanted to retire and spend time with his family.
Acceding to his wish, SUPP nominated its Youth secretarygeneral Wilfred Yap to defend the BN stronghold.
However, things took a surprising twist in recent weeks when calls started rolling in for Yong to reconsider his quit decision as they considered him to be the most winnable BN candidate.
Yong said he was happy that both Yap and SUPP Kota Sentosa branch deputy chairman Lo Khere Chiang, who had also hoped to be picked for Stampin, had offered to help him in the forthcoming polls.
He, however, expressed regret over statements by the opposition who accused him of “breaking his promise” to retire.
“The opposition tried to paint me as if I have broken my promise. In fact, the statements I made before (about retiring) were not a promise but my wish which I could not fulfil.
“I also have my future plans so I hope the people understand (my situation).”
Meanwhile, at the Hui Sing Kwan Sen Kung Temple’s annual dinner here on Thursday, Yong described the 15-day campaigning period as “sufficient”.
“It may be a little bit long for urban seats but sufficient for rural areas because campaigners will have to visit many longhouses. Some of these villages can only be reached by boat and by foot so a longer (campaigning) time suits the campaigners.”
He added that his main concern about the relatively long campaigning period was that it would be very tiring and costly for parties from both sides of the political divide.
Yap, who was also present at the dinner, urged Stampin electorate to give their full support to Yong.
He hoped the voters would not be easily swayed by the opposition, who often slammed the BN government as corrupt but without providing any evidence.
“The opposition always talk about corruption (in BN) without providing any evidence. There is no use making any accusation without providing evidence.
“Therefore, I urge the people to help curb corruption by reporting to the police if they have the evidence (on corruption).”
Yap, who is a practising lawyer, opined that SUPP hated corruption and was committed in fighting it.
“The opposition always raise this issue but we also want to tell them that we also hate corruption.”
Yap also hit out at Bandar Kuching incumbent Chong Chieng Jen for failing to help tackle corruption in the country although he had been an MP since 2004.- theborneopost
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