Ong Tee Keat has been a staunch protector of the Pandan parliamentary seat. The former Transport Minister (2008-2010) and eighth president of the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) entered politics as a fulltime politician in 1989. He made his maiden effort to contest for the Ampang Jaya parliamentary seat where he faced a tough challenge against former Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Harun Idris who was standing on a Semangat 46 ticket. Ong beat the former Umno strongman by 4,500 votes. He went on to hold the seat for four terms before contesting and winning the newly created Pandan parliamentary seat in the 2004 general election. He successfully defended the seat again in the 2008 general election.

Despite losing his MCA presidency to Chua Soi Lek in 2010, Ong is potentially ‘winnable candidate’ on how he manages his constituency and the contributions that he has made. Malaysian Digest has tried to contact Ong to find out more about his effort to ‘rise from the ashes’, but calls to him went unanswered.


The Social Media Savvy MP

Ong is one of the politicians who lauded the prime minister’s effort to fully utilize social media as a tool to connect with Malaysians. He’s got Twitter and Facebook accounts while www.ongteekeat.net is accessible by all, and he regularly updates his blog postings with latest entry posted on February 11, 2012.

The active social media user was also appointed the Pandan Barisan Nasional (BN) division chief, fuelling speculation that he would most likely be asked to defend his Pandan seat. Moreover, the Pandan community has been proven to be strong supporters of Ong as he mentioned in his blog post:

“The overwhelming warm response manifested by the people when I walked down the morning market street in Taman Muda on the Chap Goh Mei morning had once again reiterated my firm belief in the power of people’s choice”.

“I was indeed touched by their warm response when I walked through the crowd and mingled with them. Honestly, it is the people’s support that has been spurring me on in my bumpy political crusade”.
Ong is an MP who has taken the prime minister’s transformational plan to heart and has implemented the policy his constituency. His mission and philosophy encompasses three ‘Thrusts of Change’ which are tackling economic challenges and becoming proactive in mainstream politics and policy making. The former minister also recognizes the colorful personalities and communities in Pandan hence his third thrust is enhancing interethnic relationships.


Contributions to Society

Ong lauded and agreed on the importance of Rukun Tetangga.  In January, he agreed that Rukun Tetangga committee officials are in the best position to help mold Malaysian communities into a truly 1Malaysia nation through harmonious social programs. He had provided an RM18,000 allocation for Rukun Tetangga Taman Teratai to help kick-start the community policing operations. He also commended the growing maturity of his electorates toward public security. Rukun Tetangga Areas in Pandan are currently revamping to become more proactive.
In October, Ong donated building materials to repair the house that was badly damaged by a freak storm in Kampung Pandan Dalam.
 
“Kampung Pandan Dalam is the second biggest heritage Malay village in the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur, after Kampung Baru. We must, therefore, help to cherish the heritage village that belongs to Malaysians,” he was quoted saying.

Ong also supported the youths in constituency and have always provided them with motivation and support. He is impressed by the enthusiasm displayed by youths in nation-building initiatives. He urge for youths to ensure the sustainability of their efforts so that the country fully benefits from their contributions.


Dynamic MP

As such, Ong says the Young Malaysian Entrepreneurs’ Development Association (PUMM) has matured into an organization that can help the nation enhance its economic competitiveness in the global rat race.  As an MP, Ong is committed to find time to attend education and school-related matters because he feels these matters are essential to the socioeconomic development of the country. He urged parent-teacher association (PTA) members to work as a united force for the benefit of children’s education, schools and the nation in general.

He is also not afraid of criticizing local authorities when it comes to voicing out his concerns for his electorates. He once slammed the Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) for treating ratepayers harshly due to the slapping of ridiculously high late payment penalties.

“While I must say there can be no excuse for defaulters, MPAJ should use their discretion to treat ratepayers who settled their due late. Be more understanding and caring,” Ong was reportedly saying.

- mD