After 22 years of helming the state of Negri Sembilan, Isa Samad is now trying to cash in his chips with the Chinese voters in the Bagan Pinang.

The Chinese form only 10 percent or 1,300 voters in the constituency and are believed to have supported the opposition in the 2008 general election.

mca karaoke competition 071009 isa samad speech During his speech to about 200 Chinese voters, the eloquent orator narrowed in on two topics - education and the economy - which is the staple of any MCA campaign during elections.

Isa urged the public to put their trust in him, Prime Minister Najib Razak and his deputy Muhyiddin Yassin, stating that the three of them may be old, but very experienced in running the country.

"We've been in the government since the 70s," Isa reminded the crowd, who listened to him speak in the middle of a MCA-organised karaoke competition.

"Trust us. We have the experience and we can run the country," he said.

Chinese schools like paying tax

On the education, Isa said when he was menteri besar, he had contributed to the community by providing land and funding for Chinese school.

"The Chinese school in Teluk Kemang is like income tax. I have to pay (donate) every year," said Isa in jest, drawing peals of laughter.

mca karaoke competition 071009 shaking hands He cites another school in Port Dickson, which required a field for outdoor activities and a plot of land was allocated to them, but not sold.

"I told them then, that if it was to be sold, the premium would be expensive. Why not I set aside the land as a reserve, under the name of the education director, and they could use it for free.

"Up until now, the menteri besar has changed, but no one is disturbing the piece of land," said Isa.

At one point, Isa appeared apologetic to the crowd and admitted that BN may have committed some mistakes thereby causing the voters to desert the coalition last year.

"We are human and there are sometimes mistakes. But now, there is a new leadership - a new prime minister and deputy - we must give them a chance," he said.

' Their moon not always bright'

He closed his speech by taking a jibe at PAS, suggesting it was an inconsistent party.

"Enjoy yourself tonight and don't have a headache over whether to 'X' the scales or the moon. Remember, their moon is not always bright," said Isa.

A local MCA leader told Malaysiakini that the Chinese community were no strangers to Isa, who has contributed greatly to religious organisations, guilds and schools.

"Building plans for this temple beside this stage were not submitted (to the authorities), but he has settled it for us," he said, adding that he and his team hope to draw 800 Chinese votes for Isa.

Former Negri Sembilan MCA deputy youth wing chief Foo Ming Chee said it was estimated that BN only garnered 20 percent of the Chinese votes the last time around, but believes Isa's popularity would make a difference.

"He is easily accepted here. His popularity is due his willingness to serve the people here," said Foo, the former Chuah state assemblyperson.