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BUTTERWORTH: A woman voter put Perikatan Nasional's Sungai Puyu candidate Andrew Teow Chin Siang in a spot by asking bluntly if voting for him meant she would not be able to wear shorts again.
"If I vote for you, will Penang end up like Kedah, where shorts cannot be worn anymore?" she asked the PAS Non-Muslim Supporters Wing representative during his walkabout in Raja Uda here on Thursday (Aug 3) morning.
The woman's concern seemed to stem from the incident involving a 35-year-old woman shop owner who was fined for wearing shorts in her workplace in Kota Baru, Kelantan – not Kedah – on June 25.
Seeking to allay her fears, Teow assured her there was nothing to worry about because he emphasised his Chinese identity despite being associated with PAS.
Teow, 39, dismissed fears about clothing and other cultural concerns as tactics by his opponents to perpetuate misconceptions, Sin Chew reported.
Teow also indicated that he understood the underlying worries that prompted the question.
According to another report by China Press, concerns about clothing emerged as a prominent topic during his campaign.
Nonetheless, he maintained his composure and said: "I understand the concerns, and I am dedicated to patiently addressing them."
Elaborating, Teow underscored PAS' inclusive stance, welcoming individuals of all faiths into the party, even non-Muslims.
He expressed confidence that he would get the support of Chinese voters, especially those who recognised PAS as a multi-ethnic political party.
Teow is one of three Chinese contenders selected by PAS to represent the party in the Aug 12 Penang state election.
Asked about the reception he had received after six days of campaigning, Teow said he was confident about getting complete Chinese support.
Formerly a Gerakan Youth leader, he transitioned through several political affiliations including Parti Bangsa Malaysia before eventually aligning himself with PAS.
Teow's opponent is DAP's Phee Syn Tze from Pakatan Harapan, the daughter of Sungai Puyu incumbent Phee Boon Poh, who is not contesting.
