HULU SELANGOR: Pakatan Harapan candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election, Pang Sock Tao (pix), has cited Kulai MP Teo Nie Ching and Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin as her role models for championing the voices and welfare of the people.

Pang, 31, said that as a newcomer in the political arena, she frequently refers to and emulates the actions of the two prominent female figures from DAP in assisting constituents.

According to her, Teo, who serves as Deputy Communications Minister and Yeo, the former Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Minister, have significantly influenced and shaped her identity as a first-time election candidate.

“My experience as a candidate is quite challenging, especially with provocative campaigns and malicious narratives spread on social media, but I remain focused and draw inspiration from my ‘elder sisters’ Teo and Yeo.

“They always give 200 per cent efforts in both federal administration tasks and in the constituency, transparent and sincere, to safeguard the interest of the people and bring about change to local residents, without following outdated political practices,” said the former press secretary to the Housing and Local Government Minister to Bernama.

Pang said she was grateful to have served both her idols, especially during her tenure as a special officer when Yeo was a minister and as a producer for Ubah TV while closely collaborating with Teo, DAP national publicity secretary.

“I believe that my experience at the Housing and Local Government Ministry will equip me to provide the best service to the people, particularly in connecting the people in KKB with the state and federal governments,” she said.

In the meantime, Pang admitted that she was feeling the pressure to continue the legacy of the late Lee Kee Hiong if given the mandate by voters on the May 11 by-election.

“The late Lee left behind a perfect legacy, endeared by the people here, always aiding and engaging with them. This fact has been confirmed by constituents I’ve met during the campaign period, so I’m determined to continue her legacy if elected as people’s representative,” she said.

The KKB by-election sees a four-cornered fight between Pang, Khairul Azhari Saut (Perikatan Nasional), Hafizah Zainuddin (Parti Rakyat Malaysia) and Nyau Ke Xin (Independent).

It is being held following the death of incumbent Lee, 58, on March 21 due to cancer.