Long-serving MCA state assemblyperson Lee Hwa Beng will not be vying for a parliamentary seat in the coming elections.

Brushing aside talks that he would switch to a parliamentary seat after having served three terms as the state assemblyperson for Subang Jaya, Lee said it was too late for him to start all over again in federal politics.

"I'm too old at 53 to do that. Comparing to other MPs who may be younger than me, I wouldn't be able to compete with them in terms of seniority. It's also not fair to jump the queue should there be vacancies for government positions.

"So I have to be realistic and be fair to others and to myself," he reasoned.

Missed many times

Lee also said that following the decision of two Selangor MCA state representatives to step down, there will be two state executive councillor posts vacant in the new term..

"So it's only sensible to continue serving in the state as there are vacancies," the Subang Jaya rep said during a visit to the malaysiakini office in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.

"I've accepted the fact that national politics has by-passed me. I've always wanted to do national politics, but somehow I've never got the chance to go in," he said during an interview.

Lee said the state exco vacancies are due to MCA guidelines that limit the holders to three terms.

"If I were to do national politics, [I would have to] climb up slowly. If I stand for Parliament now, maybe I can be appointed a Parliament Secretary... so maybe I would be over 60 if I become minister, if ever," he reasoned.

"So I will stay put at state. Never mind, I have already stood for four elections, so if I win, my party will hopefully appoint me to the ex-co. I'd missed many times," he said.

Avoiding temptations

Lee has served the Subang Jaya state constituency for three terms since 1995. During that tenure, he served a constituency that saw rapid urban sprawling that resulted in the huge UEP Subang Jaya (USJ) and Bandar Sunway housing estates.

Questioned on why he chose to involve himself in politics, Lee said his main motivation was to be of service to the people.

"I treat politics like a business. If I can solve their problems, then I am doing good business," he said tongue-in-cheek.

"My [Christian] faith has also taught me that you must try to help others, whenever possible. It can be just about small things but it counts a lot to those you have helped," Lee added.

To Lee, religion plays a large part in maintaining political credence, saying that "it gives me strength to avoid the temptations of power abuse and corruption". He and his family belong to the evangelical church.

The state legislator also opens his service centre till as late as 12 midnight when necessary in his efforts to communicate with the constituents.

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