PETALING JAYA: Barisan Nasional’s candidate for the Mahkota state by-election, Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah, has garnered attention for his impressive command of the Mandarin language, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The MCA president highlighted Syed Hussien’s linguistic skills in a Facebook post on Saturday (Sept 14), noting that the candidate has a Chinese name and can speak Mandarin fluently.

"If you only heard his voice without seeing him, you would indeed think he is Chinese," Dr Wee said.

The post also featured a 1.28-minute video clip showing Syed Hussien visiting his alma mater, SJK(C) Chong Eng, where he spent six years in primary education.

During his school years, his teacher gave him a Chinese name, "Sai Fu Xing," meaning "Star of Fortune."

Syed Hussien urged voters to return and cast their ballots on Sept 28, emphasising the importance of the by-election.

The upcoming Mahkota state seat by-election will be a straight contest between Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.

Returning officer Azurawati Wahid confirmed the receipt of nomination papers from both Syed Hussien and Perikatan’s candidate, Mohamad Haizan Jaafar.

Syed Hussien, 40, who also serves as the Kluang Umno Youth chief, aims to retain the seat for Barisan, while Perikatan is fielding 61-year-old Mohamad Haizan, a former Johor FA footballer.

The Mahkota seat became vacant following the death of its assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, 63, on Aug 2.

According to the Election Commission (EC), the electoral roll for the by-election includes 66,318 voters, consisting of 61,397 ordinary voters, 401 police personnel, 4,510 military personnel and their spouses, and 10 absentee voters abroad.

Early voting is scheduled for Sept 24, involving three centres with 11 stations. The main polling day on Sept 28 will see 20 centres and 109 voting stations in operation.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/14/mahkota-polls-bn-candidate039s-fluent-mandarin-garners-attention-says-dr-wee