The Barisan Nasional (BN) deployed heavyweights like Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaludin for the Jan 28 Batu Talam by-election in Pahang.

The ruling front also mobilised its massive election machinery to ensure that candidate Abdul Aziz Mat Kiram wins the state seat.

But his rival, 21-year-old trader Ng Chee Pang, appears to be on a Sunday stroll with his campaign team, made up of his father and brother.

His father Kwi Ling claims to be the campaign manager and spokesperson and his younger brother, Chee Fu, 19, is the official photographer.

According to Bernama, their strategy is to distribute 1,000 name cards of Chee Pang to the constituents in Batu Talam.
But there are 10,525 voters in the constituency, which fell vacant following the death of BN incumbent Tengku Paris Tengku Razlan on Dec 27 last year.

"We just hope that he will not lose his deposit. Furthermore, we do not have any issues to bring up," said Kwi Ling, who is also Pahang DAP treasurer.

Kwi Ling had contested in the general election, unsuccessfully, for six times on a DAP ticket.

However, DAP said it is not involved in the by-election, which is being boycotted by PAS and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).

'I like Umno'

Asked for a manifesto, Kwi Ling, replied: "Our manifesto: I like Umno, PAS, Keadilan, and NGOs. (I) love MIC, MCA, DAP and Gerakan. (I) do not like, do not love the BN."

He reiterated that the main reason for his son contesting was "to give some business opportunity to the people of Batu Talam because, when there is an election, many people come here".

He said that besides campaigning in the Chinese area of Cheroh, they would also campaign in the Malay areas.

Asked what business Chee Pang was engaged in, Kwi Ling said: "He does a little business, and now wants to apply to be the elected representative!"

Kwi Ling, attired in a short-sleeve shirt and short pants, and Chee Pang, wearing a short-sleeve shirt, long pants and slippers, have begun their campaign in the coffee shops and eateries in Kg Cheroh.

Chee Pang, who completed the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) at Sekolah Menengah Mengkarak, has denied that the DAP paid his election deposit.

He said, however, that the money was paid by someone but he would not reveal the name.

Asked whether he would be able to serve as the elected representative as he was young and inexperienced, the budding politician replied:

"I can, but at the same time I am also not afraid to lose. I am as bold as my father - he has lost six times now!"