PD POLLS | In 1995, Stevie Chan packed his bags and moved to New York. For the next 10 years, he held various jobs, including bartender.

He returned to Malaysia in 2004, but left to pursue another career opportunity in Shanghai two years later.

In 2006, Chan, who was born in Malacca to rubber tapper parents, returned home for good to pursue what he describes as his true passion – the arts.

Now, the 51-year-old resident of Segambut, Kuala Lumpur, is hoping to pull off a gargantuan political upset by defeating PKR president-elect Anwar Ibrahim in the Oct 13 Port Dickson by-election.

In his manifesto released this morning, Chan seeks to, among others, amend elections laws to impose a penalty on MPs who vacate their seats without just cause and for them to be subjected to investigation by the MACC.

The Port Dickson by-election is a result of its incumbent Danyal Balagopal Abdullah stepping down to pave the way for Anwar to return to Parliament.

“As we have seen, politicians have promised many things but failed to deliver. I agree that some of the measures (in my manifesto) are difficult to implement, but as an independent, it is my task to push my agenda for a national conversation,” said Chan.

“Some of my proposals, like revamping the taxation system to transfer wealth from the wealthy to the poor, would be in line with the individual values of many MPs and a cause beneficial to all Malaysians should be supported by politicians in Malaysia Baru.

“I believe this is what the rakyat voted for on May 9. A new political mindset, one that serves the rakyat and not the politicians,” he added.

Chan said the voters of Port Dickson represent the general Malaysian population who have similar concerns.

“Malaysians voted for Pakatan Harapan not only to reject the old politics of corruption and hate, but also to alleviate their concerns over stagnating income growth, the high cost of living, rising inequality, the quality of public education and more,” he added.

Below is his manifesto in full:

To support Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto in general, and to ensure that the present administration remains focused on fulfilling its promises with a specific timeline declaration for key promises.
To insist that the government set up a parliamentary select committee to review and decide on all ongoing or upcoming megaprojects.
To address the issue of income inequality and fight for the introduction of capital gains tax, inheritance tax and luxury goods tax that will impact the top 10 percent of Malaysian households.
The bottom 20 percent of Malaysian households to receive a monthly direct cash transfer conditional upon them fulfilling criteria, such as children's school attendance and compulsory vaccination.
The setting up of a special advisory panel on education, poverty reduction, marginalised communities (especially the Orang Asli) and on arts and culture to guide the relevant ministries and to make recommendations; and
To insist that election laws be amended to impose a penalty and automatic investigation by MACC on MPs who resign without just cause.

As for the concerns specific to Port Dickson which Chan vows to address, these are:

Ensure that plans for a reliable, affordable and comfortable public transport service linking Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson via a shuttle bus service are executed and implemented by the authorities.
To highlight the issue of crime in Port Dickson, in particular petty theft and burglary which are causing problems for local residents.
To work closely with the local authorities and relevant ministries to focus on ensuring the cleanliness of Port Dickson as a whole; and
To relocate to Port Dickson and serve the people there full-time.