KLUANG: Barisan Nasional’s Mahkota by-election candidate Syed Hussien Syed Abdullah is the complete package that voters are looking for, says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The MCA president said Syed Hussien had Malaysian characteristics that made him appealing to the people, in particular the Chinese community here.

“Firstly, Syed Hussien has the leadership quality and secondly, in terms of communications, it will not be a problem as he can converse well.

 “Syed Hussien, who went to a Chinese vernacular school for his primary education, also understands the issues faced by the people here as he is also a Kluang Municipal Council (MPK) councillor,” Dr Wee told reporters after going on a walkabout with the candidate here yesterday.

He added that Syed Hussien was able to capture the hearts of voters here due to his humble character and ability to mix well with all communities regardless of whether they were Malay, Indian or Chinese.

“Syed Hussien is a good candidate with a handsome face and I see him having an advantage as a person with a rather unique character,” he said.Dr Wee said in the first few days of campaigning, Syed Hussien – who is a local – received positive feedback, though he urged the party machinery to continue working hard.

He said all parties helping Syed Hussien’s campaign must make sure that people came out to vote on polling day on Sept 28.

“This is a challenge all of us are facing in this by-election. We have to make sure that every voter casts their vote on polling day.

“All of us must work together as one team and make sure that Syed Hussien is the winner on Sept 28,” he added.

At a separate event earlier, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi said the local youth’s acceptance of Syed Hussein was a positive development.

“Barisan made a wise decision to give opportunities to young leaders to be candidates. I am confident that if given the opportunity, Syed Hussien will serve Mahkota well,” he said.

On Sunday, Onn Hafiz urged the youth, who make up half of those registered as voters in Mahkota, to come out and vote. 

“To the youth, especially those in universities, come Sept 28, come and vote. On behalf of Barisan, I am urging them to vote for our candidate Syed Hussien,” he told a meet session with local youth at a restaurant here.

Onn Hafiz, who is also Barisan’s election director for the Mahkota by-election, said this while making a video message for university students.

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

The Mahkota by-election will see a straight contest between Barisan and Perikatan Nasional.

Syed Hussien, who also serves as the Kluang Umno Youth chief, aims to retain the seat for Barisan, while Perikatan is fielding Mohamad Haizan Jaafar, 61.

Mohamad Haizan, who is a businessman from Kluang, is a former footballer and is a committee member of Kluang Bersatu.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/17/syed-hussien-is-the-complete-package-says-dr-wee