'Uncle Kentang' reveals plans to join Semenyih polls
SEMENYIH POLLS | Social activist Kuan Chee Heng, or better known as 'Uncle Kentang', has volunteered himself as an independent candidate for the upcoming Semenyih state seat by-election in Selangor.
The Malaysian Community Policing association founder told Malaysiakini the decision was not to seek popularity but rather to serve the people.
SEMENYIH POLLS | Social activist Kuan Chee Heng, or better known as 'Uncle Kentang', has volunteered himself as an independent candidate for the upcoming Semenyih state seat by-election in Selangor.
The Malaysian Community Policing association founder told Malaysiakini the decision was not to seek popularity but rather to serve the people.
"Our life is only temporary and death is for certain. But before that, I want to serve the electorate in Semenyih.
"I am contesting for the 'children' of Semenyih […] they still need help," said Kuan who earned his 'Uncle Kentang' moniker several years ago after he distributed free potatoes to lower-income households in Puchong.
"I want to do what I did in Puchong for the people in Semenyih. Taxi rides for 10 sen, free hearses and others.
"If I win, I will not take even one sen of my salary (as state assemblyperson). That salary belongs to the people and God will repay me my salary," he said.
Kuan also expressed disappointment with the present set of political leaders whom he claimed were mostly out to "change their own lives" rather than fighting for the people.
He claimed that many of the elected representatives have "abandoned" their constituents after various unfulfilled promises.
'An example'
"If we follow the ways of Islam, everything will be fine (because) Islam is for all. My ways will follow the ways of Islam.
"I want whatever I do to be an example for our political leaders no matter from which party. Most important is that the people are happy," he said.
The March 2 Semenyih by-election is being called following the death of the incumbent assemblyperson, Harapan's Bakhtiar Mohd Nor from Bersatu who wrested the seat from Umno's Johan Abdul Aziz in the last general election.
Aside from Harapan and BN, PSM is also expected to field either its central committee member S Arutchelvan (above) - who contested and lost the seat in the last three general elections - or first-timer Nik Aziz Afiq Abdul.
The late Bakhtiar had won the seat with a majority of 8,964 votes.
Bersatu will likely field its acting Hulu Langat division chief Rais Zulkifli in the by-election while Umno has yet to announce a candidate.
Nomination day is on Feb 16.
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