Q&A;

Despite being defeated twice, DAP's Choong Siew Onn has not given up hope that he may be third time lucky. He is contesting again for the Ketari state seat on polling day March 31.

In his manifesto released yesterday, the 34-year-old quality controller outlined issues on which the party felt it could represent the people's interests better than the ruling coalition in the Pahang state assembly.

In this interview with malaysiakini , Choong, steadfast in his belief that a change would be beneficial for Bentong, gave his answers to the five questions that were posed to the two candidates in the Ketari state by-election.

Malaysiakini: What do you think of your opponent, Gerakan's Yum Ah Ha?

Choong Siew Onn: We have known each other for about five years since I joined the Kwangsai Association here. People in Bentong are generally very gentle and we hate violence. I have a pretty good relationship with him. We were even talking about campaign works at the nomination centre this morning. Whatever the outcome of this by-election, we will always be friends.

What are the issues you will raise in your campaign?

The fact that Barisan Nasional has been in power since independence and yet slow in responding to people's needs. This is because they felt that there was no threat or competition from the opposition. But in 1999, when we lost by only 231 votes, they felt pressured and started bucking up. Problems which remained unsolved for 30 years were suddenly given attention.

What is the significance of this by-election?

It is not just between me and Yum Ah Ha. The by-election is a chance for the voters here to indicate whether they support a plan for a better Malaysia, as outlined in my manifesto. Bentong never had any of its state seats held by opposition. We need the check and balance. The opposition can monitor the work of the ruling coaliion.

Why do you think the Ketari people should vote for you?

Competition leads to improvement. The development here has not been very good. There is room for improvement and if DAP wins, there will be improvement. Now everything is just too easy for the ruling coalition, but if they lose the seat, they will work harder to win back the seat and this will benefit the people.

It will also strengthen the opposition force in the state but will not affect the status quo as Barisan Nasional still controls the majority in the state assembly. If I am elected, I plan to become a full-time politician to serve the people here.

What are the chances for DAP to win?

Like what (DAP secretary-general) Kerk Kim Hock said, we are still trying to catch up with Gerakan. The chances of us winning are still 45:55 as of today.