State polls: I couldn't say no when asked to contest, says Independent Banting candidate

KLANG: Independent candidate Ang Wei Yang says he could not say no to the people in his neighbourhood who wanted him to contest for the Banting state seat.

“Initially there was another person who was asked to contest but he declined and so they asked me to run instead,” said Ang, who holds a postgraduate degree in bioengineering from Sheffield University.

Ang, 23, who lives with his family in Jenjarom New Village, relayed how the local community as well as neighbourhood resident associations gathered for a discussion after they heard who would be contesting there.

Ang is going up against Pakatan Harapan’s V. Paparaidu and Perikatan Nasional’s MK Saravanan.

If either of his opponents win, it will be the first time the Banting state constituency will have a non-Chinese assemblyman.

“This is one of the people’s grouses. They want a candidate who can address their issues and can establish direct communication with them,” said Ang.

Ang said he has outlined his own election manifesto.

“Firstly, I would improve the tourism industry here so that it can boost the local economy,” said Ang who is the fourth of five siblings.

He said he would also look into making the industries in the area more environmentally friendly.

“The people of Jenjarom New Village have on many occasions battled pollution emitted by industries in the area, including illegal garbage processing factories.

“I will also look into setting up more recreational facilities for the people,” he said.

Ang said he hoped the Banting electorate would give him a chance to serve them which he says he will carry out to his best ability.

“I will initiate direct meetings with my constituents to hear me out,” said Ang.