Q&A;

Barisan Nasional's candidate for the upcoming Ketari state seat by-election, Yum Ah Ha, is a man of few words. He does not even want to divine his chances of winning, saying he prefers to wait till the election results.

Yum, 51, a lawyer is contesting the seat for the first time. Born and bred in Ketari, he was thought to be the ideal choice and is being groomed to replace the late state assembly representative Loke Koon Kam, by the party's leadership. The state seat of Ketari fell vacant after Loke passed away on March 3.

In an interview with malaysiakini , Yum gave brief answers to the five questions that were posed to both candidates.

Malaysiakini: What do you think of your opponent, DAP's Choong Siew Onn?

Yum Ah Ha : We are ordinary friends. Whenever we meet, we are very friendly towards one another.

What are the issues you are going to raise in this campaign?

There are really no major issues. But we have 15 service teams going around asking people what their problems are. The teams are supposed to bring back the problems to me and then we see if we can solve them.

Most of the major issues have been resolved by the government. For example, the Perting dam and the Sungai Dua bridge. The government has given word that the bridge will be built soon. The Federal government has allocated RM1.7 million for the bridge.

The Pahang menteri besar will be taking up issues such as land titles for Felda settlers and house owners.

What is the significance of this by-election results?

This by-election is where the rakyat can make a real choice. If their choice is more for DAP, it is a democracy and we have to accept the people's decision.

Why do you think people should vote for you?

I am born and bred in Ketari and I know most of the people here. I am also a lawyer and can be of much service to the people here.

What are Barisan Nasional's chances of winning?

I will echo what deputy prime minister and Barisan Nasional deputy president said: 'We are confident of winning'. And I am very happy that all the entire BN machinery is down here to ensure that we retain the seat.