Pang Sock Tao Announced as Unity Government Candidate for Kuala Kubu Bharu By-Election

Pakatan Harapan (PH) has announced that Pang Sock Tao, the 31-year-old press secretary to Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming, will be their candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election scheduled for May 11. The announcement was made by DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook at an event held at the ADUN Service Center on April 25, 2024.

Loke stated that the decision to field Pang was made after considering her qualifications, with the aim of highlighting young and high-caliber candidates who can represent the unity government and uphold its harmony. "Pang Sock Tao fulfills all the qualifications needed to represent the people in the constituency," Loke said.

Pang, a graduate from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten) majoring in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, has been involved in politics for six years. She has previously served as a news presenter for DAP's UbahTV, a special officer for the Minister of Energy, Science, Technology and Climate Change, and a special officer to the Minister of Housing and Local Government before being appointed as the Press Secretary for Nga.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election was triggered by the death of the incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, on March 21 due to cancer. Lee had helped DAP retain the KKB seat with a majority of 4,119 votes in the previous state election and served the constituency as its assemblyman for three terms.

Why this matters: The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is the seventh to be held after the 15th General Election in 2022, and it serves as a test for the unity government's popularity. The selection of a young, qualified candidate like Pang Sock Tao reflects PH's efforts to showcase a new generation of leaders who can represent the interests of all communities.

Pang expressed her desire to continue the legacy of the late Lee Kee Hiong, stating, "Lee Kee Hiong was a good role model and a hardworking representative of the people. If given the opportunity, I would like to continue Lee's legacy of providing the best service to the people of Kuala Kubu Baru." The Election Commission has fixed April 27 for nomination and May 11 for polling, with the electoral roll for the by-election comprising 40,226 registered voters.

Key Takeaways

• PH announces Pang Sock Tao, 31, as candidate for Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
• Pang is the press secretary to Housing Minister Nga Kor Ming, a graduate of Uniten.
• The by-election was triggered by the death of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong, a 3-term DAP assemblyman.
• The by-election is a test for the unity government's popularity, with 40,226 registered voters.
• Pang aims to continue Lee's legacy of serving the people of Kuala Kubu Baru.