MELAKA: Unlike other candidates complaining about the lack of opportunities to appear on the ceramah circuit, Fong Khai Ling, 27, is at ease campaigning on social media.
Fong, who is contesting the Kota Laksamana seat under Peri-katan Nasional, may be a greenhorn in politics, but she is not shying away from challenges posed by the Covid-19 standard operating procedures.
"An online campaign is my main approach.
"I convey my messages, either through videos or articles, or on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tik Tok.
"We know that 70 per cent of information (such as news) is consumed on social media.
"This is even common among the older generation.
"Most are adept at using social media platforms. They even leave comments to tell me about their issues and requirements," she said at PN's operations room here recently.
But it does not mean that she's had it easy.
"I have been working hard to reach out to voters, to listen to them and understand their problems while being cautious about the pandemic."
She said most Kota Laksamana constituents were elderly as many youths had moved out to seek greener pastures.
"My mission here is to create job opportunities for youths. We can even have youths return to work here."
Also on her agenda is the promotion of Baba and Nyonya culture internationally.
"I would like to shine the spotlight on Baba and Nyonya culture, which I want Malaysia and Melaka especially, to be synonymous with."
Before her foray into politics, she had organised community programmes for the needy.
"During the Movement Control Order, we (her team) went about donating necessities, including food, to the needy."
Born in Kuantan, she fell in love with Melaka a few years ago during her days as a student here and became a sort of ambassador, hosting tourists in the state.
"I often bring people here to enjoy the food and scenery. My friend and I set up a business here (some years back) and I am familiar with this place."
Kota Laksamana is home to some 30,000 voters.
