SAMSENG po pi- that is the catchy Hokkien slogan Pengkalan Kota incumbent assemblyman Lee Hack Teik is changing these days.
The Barisan Nasional candidate will be serving his fourth term as an elected representative if he can successfully defend the state seat he has held for more than 12 years.
Lee, who is a popular figure among the predominantly Chinese voters, is known for his funny quips and slogans.
In 2004, his ang koo lak liap (half dozen red tortoise-shaped gluti-nous rice cakes in Hokkien) slogan (or an je le yue in Mandarin which means “harmonious life, flourish- ing career”) was among the most memorable election slogans among Hokkien-speaking Penangites.
This time around, he has coined an equally interesting catchphrase to win them over.
Lee being garlanded by MIC Simpang Tiga operations centre chairman S. Rajan (left).
“In Hokkien, samseng po pi means ‘gangster blessing.’ The slogan refers to ‘gangsters’ (samseng) turning over a new leaf, so that they can become a blessing (po pi) to those around them!
“In Mandarin, it is pronounced Sansing Pau Si which means ‘the Three Immortals – Hock, Lok, Siu (Health, Wealth and Prosperity) bring good news’ he laughed.
“We have many development projects that will boost the local economy and attract more people to come live here in the inner city.
“Since the repeal of the Rent Control Act in 2000, many have moved out of the constituency. In 2004, there were 20,785 voters in Pengkalan Kota. The number has fallen to 19,797.
“Work will start on a RM2.4 bil public transportation hub for express buses, taxis and an LRT terminal at Prangin Estate by the end of the year; the Weld Quay clan jetties are being spruced up and rehabilitated; 2,500 low cost flat units will be built at Gat Lebuh Noordin by the end of 2009; Swettenham Pier is being redeveloped; and there is more in the pipeline.
“These projects will definitely generate more business for the community,” said Lee who is banking on his strong service record to bring him through the general election.
Lee, who had also distributed 600 copies of a VCD report card earlier this month, said cooperation with the Barisan Government had enabled him to serve Pengkalan Kota residents well.
Komtar assemblyman Datuk Lim Gim Soon is 60 this year but believes he still has much to give.
“Experience will definitely help in the race. I have been in the company of Komtar residents everyday for years and people are looking for a representative who will be with them to help solve their problems.” said Lim, who is contesting in his final election.
Affordable housing and business opportunities are currently the most pressing issues in Tanjung, Lim added.
“Plans, which include boosting tourism and building about 10,000 low cost houses, are already underway to attract people back into the inner city,” he said.
“MCA's success in defending the state seats for so many years boils down to grassroots support and knowing what the people want. My constituents know that they can call me at any hour and I will respond.
“Komtar voters want to see more business being generated and this is something Barisan is working very hard on it.
“Flash floods are no longer a pro-blem here. Now our focus is on providing affordable housing for the hardcore poor and turning Komtar into a thriving business centre for George Town,” he said, adding that Chowrasta Market would be the heart of the project.
“A Taiwanese and local entrepre-neur has submitted a proposal to refurbish and manage the building. If approved by the Penang Municipal Council, the building will house a market, 24-hour eateries, shops lots, offices and entertainment outlets which will generate a lot of activity in the area.
“Within the next five years, Penang Road will be transformed into a shopping district like Singapore’s famous Orchard Road.
“Upgrading works on the Komtar building has started. We are now looking to beautify and clean up the entire Macalister Road area where more that 500 hawkers operate.
“Naturally, once the economy picks up, people will start coming back to Tanjung,” he said, adding that safety in the constituency has improved.
