KKB’s Chinese voters want new rep to continue Lee’s good work

Chinese constituents in Kuala Kubu Baharu want their new assemblyman to follow in the footsteps of the late Lee Kee Hiong by championing the needs of the community.

(FMT) – Yap Ket Hin, a car workshop employee, said the tourism scene in the area improved tremendously when Lee was their assemblyman between 2013 and 2024.

“Lee did well during the three terms she was in office. We now have beautiful murals and signboards in our town centre,” he told FMT.

Yap was referring to the paintings on the walls of shophouses along Jalan Mat Kilau, showcasing the lush forests and meandering rivers that envelope the town and make it an ideal escape for those in search of an outdoor adventure.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu seat became vacant following Lee’s death on March 21 after a battle with cancer. Voters head to the polls on Saturday to elect her replacement.

Pakatan Harapan (PH) is represented by DAP’s Pang Sock Tao, while Perikatan Nasional has fielded Hulu Selangor Bersatu acting chief Khairul Azhari Saut.

Also vying for the seat are Parti Rakyat Malaysia’s Hafizah Zainuddin and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.

Stationery shop owner Simon Lee, 55, said he had observed an uptick in tourists visiting restaurants and cafes nearby.

“These eateries were all established in recent years. The increasing number of shops is indicative of how well our tourism industry is doing,” he said.

Simon said he was particularly pleased to see popular local brands, including Zus Coffee, Secret Recipe and Richiamo Coffee, setting up shop in the area.

Voter Lim Keng Huat, 57, said he hoped the new assemblyman would listen to the concerns of constituents, promote transparency and manage public resources effectively.

“I am currently more inclined to PH as its previous assemblyman did a good job for the community,” he said.

More work to be done

Meanwhile, others in the Chinese community believe more could be done to improve their quality of life.

A voter from Batang Kali, who asked to be known as Wong, said people living in the villages often faced problems with their mobile phone and internet connections.

He also called on the new assemblyman to address the constituency’s economic development, which he said could be improved by developing and better promoting its tourist attractions.

Meanwhile, Chan Wai Shan, 22, said the lack of job opportunities in the area had forced young graduates like her to seek better prospects in the Klang Valley.

“A town devoid of young people will eventually become underdeveloped. We love our home town, but there are no opportunities here that allow us to earn enough to live comfortably,” she said.