Malay voters kingmakers in DAP-MCA showdown in Tangkak
03-Jul-2026, 13:02
03 Jul 2026, 13:02
PH candidate says the change in voter composition over the past four years means candidates cannot depend on one segment of the electorate to win.
Malay voters are expected to be the kingmakers in the showdown between DAP and MCA in Tangkak, with both candidates recognising the need to woo the support of all ethnicities to win the mixed seat.
Pakatan Harapan candidate Ee Chin Li, who is seeking a fourth term as the Tangkak assemblyman, said the change in voter composition over the past four years meant candidates could not depend on one segment of the electorate to win.
“During the 2022 state election, Chinese voters comprised more than 50% of the electorate. Now, Malay voters make up around 46% while Chinese voters are 48%.
“As a candidate, I must campaign for the support of all ethnicities. We cannot merely focus on one community as every vote counts,” he told FMT.
Barisan Nasional candidate Haw Chin Teck sharerd a similarl view, saying he has been targeting voters of all races on the campaign trail.
In 2022, Ee retained the Tangkak seat with a slim 372-vote majority in a five-cornered race against candidates from BN, Perikatan Nasional, Pejuang, and an independent.
Tangkak also has quite a significant Indian electorate, making up 9.9% of voters, while the Orang Asli account for 1.2%.
Ee hopes to defend the seat with a larger majority than the 372 votes he secured in 2022. He pointed out that voter turnout was low then as the country was just emerging from the Covid-19 lockdowns, with a final turnout of 54%.
He admitted that PAS’s decision to back his MCA rival poses a major challenge.
“We will need to overcome this challenge by working all the harder and ensuring more PH supporters go out to vote,” he said.
On the other hand, Haw welcomed all the support he could get to ensure a BN win, including PAS’s, and urged Tangkak voters to give him a chance to represent them at the state assembly.
The lawyer said Tangkak voters should consider the performance and achievements of the Onn Hafiz Ghazi state administration before casting their ballots on July 11.
He said that if he is elected as the Tangkak assemblyman, he will make use of his profession to offer free legal advice to constituents.
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