The 2018 general elections will largely be determined by the intensity of the opposition coalition’s campaign, the public’s reaction to the ruling coalition’s electoral pledges and, of course, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
At the same time, the quality of individual candidates and the races they run will be central to the opposition coalition’s chances of retaining Selangor. With this in mind, here are nine candidates to watch in gauging which way and how hard the electoral winds are blowing in Selangor.
Michelle Ng, 28, a Legal Bureau Secretary of the DAP and an associate of Gobind Singh Deo & Co has a beaming smile that belies her quiet resolve to make a difference in the bigger, longer game of Malaysia’s political future. “After observing all the problems that this country is facing, there comes a point of realisation where only Malaysians can save Malaysia” she says, “however each of us has to do our bit by standing up for what we believe in.”
That Michelle had an astonishing rise despite joining DAP only three years ago is all the more remarkable when you consider that the opportunity to be a state assembly politician was very much thrust upon her. “When I joined DAP, I didn’t intend to go into politics so soon. I wanted to give myself 10 years to grow and mature as a person. But the opportunity came early and I left my cushy job as a lawyer. I was always interested in policy making and politics is at the forefront of it all to do that at the most fundamental level.”
Michelle’s political awakening came during her internship with DAP in the lead up to the Sarawak state elections in 2010. “I was impressed that DAP even at that point allowed young people to lead. Young people like Teo Nie Ching were leading the charge in the Sarawak state elections and I realised that this is where I can develop and contribute, where my ideas can be taken seriously. There was this pivotal moment where during a meeting to raise donations for the Sarawak state elections, Lim Kit Siang quietly came and sat beside me without saying a word. This is someone who has trust and confidence in young people and allows them that space to develop and contribute,” she says of DAP’s legendary stalwart.
While Michelle looks young, she is not carefree. Michelle is determined about her political future without a trace of detachment. When she tells you that she is used to long working hours and taking on responsibility, you should believe her. “As a lawyer, I could not pick and choose my cases. I had to take on any case that came before me. I am usually given 14 days to not just learn the facts of the case but also the area of expertise behind it. In life, I am used to taking responsibility being the eldest child in the family so I have always had to chart my own course and be a good example to my siblings.”
Michelle’s enthusiasm is infectious and sincere. Her courage to speak up on issues that affect her younger constituents like improving access to mental health treatments and providing support to survivors of sexual harassment is not only admirable but courageous in a political climate that trivialises these struggles.
This is why the coming elections will be a defining point in her life and that should not surprise us. “I think people in Subang Jaya should vote for me because not only is my heart in the right place but I have what it takes to bring Subang Jaya to greater heights.”
