Ex-Duyong rep helping DAP candidate despite PH campaign boycott

While former Duyong assemblyman Damian Yeo has decided to boycott Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) campaign for the Melaka election, the coalition’s candidate for the seat, Poo Long Suan, says he has been receiving help from him on a personal level.

Poo, a member of the Melaka DAP complaints committee, said Yeo took him to meet people who could help him in Duyong, adding that “his effort is there”.

“I just met him (over the) last few days, and he gave me some advice. He even accompanied me to the office to fill the form for nomination,” he told FMT.

“We had a good conversation, and he recommended a few people who might be able to assist me.”

Poo was asked whether Yeo’s absence from campaign activities would affect his efforts to reach voters, given the former assemblyman’s familiarity with the constituency.

The former Melaka DAP chief announced that he would stay away from PH’s campaign over speculation about an electoral understanding between PH and Bersatu. He cited Bersatu’s role in the collapse of the PH-led federal and Melaka governments in 2020.

Yeo was elected Duyong assemblyman in 2018. He lost the seat to Umno’s Noor Helmy Abdul Halem in 2021 by 200 votes.

Helmy, whom Poo is facing in a straight fight for the seat, has built a strong following on social media. His Facebook page frequently features videos of himself chatting and joking with constituents from various communities, including an elderly resident known as “Uncle Wong”, who has gained an online following of his own.

When asked whether Helmy’s popularity would pose a challenge to his campaign, Poo said the focus should be on meeting residents, identifying their problems and following up until they are resolved.

“I think the sincerity in serving the place is more important than publicity by making a video to entertain the people. A politician serves people, not being an actor,” he said.

Poo said his experience serving as a councillor with the Hang Tuah Jaya Municipal Council would also help him.

“As a councillor, we are almost like part-time public servants. But as a state assemblyman, you are a full-time public servant,” he said.

Polling day in Melaka is set for Nov 14, with early voting on Nov 10.

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