DAP will be contesting 15 of the Selangor State Legislative Assembly (DUN) seats in the much anticipated State Election (PRN) on August 12th.

The announcement by the DAP Secretary General, Anthony Loke Siew Fook, manifests the party's determination to diversify the party's leadership with a balanced mix of experience and voice.

Among the five notable candidates are Ng Sze Han (Harapan candidate for N30 Kinrara), Jamaliah Jamaluddin (Harapan candidate for N36 Bandar Utama), Ong Chun Wei (Harapan candidate for N27 Balakong), Papparaidu Veraman (Harapan candidate for N52 Banting) and Lwi Kian Keong (Harapan candidate for N56 Sungai Pelek).

According to two-term Kinrara state assembly incumbent Ng Sze Han, who is the Selangor State Executive Councillor in charge of the Local Government, Public Transport and New Village Development, the 60% - 40% combination of experienced leaders and newbies is a long-term game plan to enrich the party's leadership with diverse experiences, ideas and perspectives.

"To ensure women's voices are heard, we put forward more than 30% of female candidates for the Selangor state election. We are confident and have high hopes for their leadership to serve the people," said Ng.

"At the same time, to ensure that the voices and wishes of the younger generation are heard, we line up more than 30% of young candidates to carry the ‘Anak Muda’ agenda," he added.

Pushing women's agenda forward, Jamaliah Jamaluddin, candidate for Harapan N36 Bandar Utama, echoes Ng’s thoughts by saying:

"Since women are a very important asset to the country, their socioeconomic wellbeing remains a key focus of the Selangor government," she stressed.

"The Selangor state government has been implementing various, specific programmes to safeguard and elevate women's welfare through policies formulated by female policymakers who know best about the needs and demands of women," she continued.

Among the women-centric initiatives introduced by the Selangor government are the Darul Ehsan Business Scheme (NaDI) under the Selangor Hijrah Foundation, the free mammogram health screening programme known as MammoSEL, Skim Bantuan Tadika Selangor (TUNAS), and Bantuan Kehidupan Sejahtera Selangor (BINGKAS).

"There are indeed many more such programmes," Jamaliah hinted.

Meanwhile, the youth is the hope of our future, as the saying goes. Touted as the future leaders, young people hold the key to shaping and changing our nation for the better.

"We need to create a conducive environment that embraces the aspirations of young people who demand active participation in decision-making, in terms of economic, social, educational and employment policies," Ong Chun Wei, Harapan candidate for N27 Balakong highlighted this.

According to Ong, ‘Anak Muda’ need to be given enough space and opportunity to lead and shape the future of our country. Their voices must be heard and aligned with the direction of our country, whether in the government or private sector, politics or economy.

"To the young people, we hear you!” Ong assured.

“We understand the demands of young people who want a stable, prosperous and forward-looking state. Last year, Selangor recorded an investment value of RM60 billion and we do not want any instability and irrationality that jeopardises our economy. A stable government with proven track record will continue steering the state forward," he said.

For Papparaidu Veraman, Harapan candidate for N52 Banting, rakyat’s quality of life also revolves around the emphasis on basic infrastructure and urban planning such as road maintenance and public transport systems, urban cleanliness, waste and sewage disposal systems, public recreational facilities, health and education services, and quality water supply.

Lwi Kian Keong, Harapan candidate for N56 Sungai Pelek, is optimistic that Sepang’s competitiveness can reach the next level with more strategic measures that spur economic growth. Sepang holds great potential in the industrial sector, logistics and warehousing services, tourism, education and agriculture. The Southern Selangor Integrated Regional Development (IDRISS) project is a good start.

To Lwi, DAP Selangor is all set to serve the rakyat!