KLANG: First-time Pakatan Harapan candidate Dr Quah Perng Fei is stepping up to lead the charge in Bandar Baru Klang, with a seasoned politician to back him up in the form of Datuk Teng Chang Khim.
Teng, a former Selangor senior exco member and incumbent Bandar Baru Klang assemblyman, has been busy aiding his former protege on the campaign trail.
From morning market walkabouts, checking out residents' complaints to speaking at ceramah in the evenings since the start of the campaign period, Teng has been offering advice and helping with Dr Quah's publicity.
Dr Quah said having his mentor by his side to guide him has been a big boost to his campaign.
"I have big shoes to fill," he said, given Teng's good service record throughout the decades.
"But I will take up this challenge, work hard and learn along the way. Even if I fall, I will get back up and move on. I'm lucky to have someone that I can refer back to," he said.
Teng was the Sungai Pinang assemblyman for three terms from 2004 to 2018 before it was redelineated and renamed Bandar Baru Klang in the 14th General Election in 2018, which Teng also won by a landslide.
Dr Quah, who runs two clinics in Klang and Shah Alam, said he wants to provide a solution to the flash flood and cleanliness issues in the constituency.
"Klang experienced early development and much of its infrastructure is dated.
"This has often resulted in some flooding and road issues," he said.
With several years' experience in the Klang Municipal Council (MPK), Dr Quah said the scale and the connectivity of the projects to upgrade the infrastructure will require state and Federal funding.
As a doctor, his ceramah often sees him being surrounded by residents asking him about health-related concerns.
"I think this is a good thing. Being a local, I will use my expertise and knowledge to serve the people in the community, including bringing change to the state's public healthcare policies," he said.
Teng said Dr Quah is facing a big challenge as the electorate in the constituency has doubled since 2018.
"It's going to be challenging but with his MPK experience, he will be able to handle it. Give him some time and he will deliver," he said.
