Teng Chang Yeow denies being a 'parachute' candidate for the Tanjung Bungah

GEORGE TOWN: Penang Barisan Nasional (BN) chairman Teng Chang Yeow has dismissed claims that he is a "parachute" candidate for the Tanjung Bungah state seat, saying other political parties have also decided to field fresh faces in certain seats throughout the country.
He cited PKR as a prime example of a party which fields new candidates in diverse and new constituencies.
"It is part of a strategy and it is also because I am compelled to address the grave issues faced by the constituents there such as the pressing environmental challenges," Teng said in an interview.
Teng said that he would definitely highlight the plight faced by the voters in Tanjung Bungah following the spate of landslides and flooding in the constituency.
His opponent from DAP is Zairil Khir Johari, who said the state government has nothing to hide about the environmental issues in the state.
Earlier, Teng announced the candidates list for BN where out of the 53 individuals contesting, 31 would be new faces.
"I would (also) like to thank my colleague H'ng Chee Wey for making way for me to contest (In Tanjung Bungah). I can choose any other seat but Tanjung Bungah suits me, " he said.
H'ng, who is state BN Youth chief , has since been shifted to Batu Uban where he squares — off with A. Kumaresan from PKR.
Teng also lauded the increasing number of fresh faces with the likes of Koo Pei Chee in Batu Lanchang, Tan Kah Leong in Air Itam, and Nor Hafizah Othman in Permatang Berangan.
These new faces will definitely rejuvenate BN to at least wrest back some seats after a dismal performance in the 13th general election.
State Umno liaison committee chairman Datuk Seri Zainal Abidin Osman also remains committed on Umno's chances saying about 40% are newbies.
He was optimistic on Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said's chances in Permatang Pauh where he is up against Nurul Izzah Anwar from PKR.
State MCA chairman Tan Teik Cheng, who will contests in Machang Bubok, said that the party is optimistic of doing well despite the mounting challenges faced by the coalition.
Penang BN candidates' list:
Kepala Batas: Reezal Merican Naina Merican
Penaga: Mohd Zin Omar
Bertam: Shariful Azhar
Pinang Tunggal: Roslan Saidin
Tasek Gelugor: Shabudin Yahaya
Permatang Berangan: Nor hafizah othman
Sungai Dua: Mohd Yusoff MOHD nor
Telok Ayer Tawar: Zamri Che Ros new
Bagan: Lee Beng Seng
Sungai Puyu: Lim Hai Song
Bagan Jermal : Ang Chor Keong
Bagan Dalam: Dhinagaran Jayabalan
Pmtg Pauh: Datuk Mohd Zaidi Mohd Said
Sberang Jaya: Abu Bakar Sidekh Zainul Abidin
Permatang Pasir: Anuar Faisal Yahaya
Penanti: Suhaimi Sabudin
Bkt Mertajam: Gui Guat Lye
Berapit: Goh Swee Gim
Machang Bubok: Tan Teik Cheng
Padang Lalang: Kuan Hin Yeep
Batu Kawan: Jayanthi Devi Balaguru
Prai: Suresh Muniandy
Bukit Tengah: Thor Teong Gee
Bukit Tambun: Hartini Tan Abdullah
Nibong Tebal: Shaik Hussein Mydin
Jawi: Kiew Hen Chong
Sg Bakap: Mohamed Sani Bakar
Sungai Acheh: Mahmud Zakaria
Tanjong: Ng Siew Lai
Padang Kota: Hng Khoon Leng
Pengkalan Kota: Lim Swee Bok
Komtar: Tan Hing Teik
Jelutong: Baljit Singh Jigiri Singh
Dato Keramat: Lee Boon Ten
Sungai Pinang: Ng Fook On
Batu Lancang: Koo Pei Chee
Bkt Gelugor: Low Joo Hiap
Seri Delima: Khoo Kay Teong
Air Itam: Tan Kah Leong
Paya Terubong: Wong Chin Chong
Bayan Baru: Chuah Seng Guan
Batu Uban: Hng Chee Wey
Pantai Jerejak: Oh Tong Keong
Batu Maung: Liakat Ali Mohamed Ali
Balik Pulau: Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya
Bayan Lepas: Rusli Hashim
Pulau Betong: Muhammad Farid Saad
Telok Bahang: Shah Haedan Ayoob Hussain Shah
Bukit Bendera: Andy Yong Kim Seng
Air Putih: Tang Heap Seng
Kebun Bunga: Ooi Zhi Yi
Pulau Tikus: Loo Jieh Sheng
Tanjung Bungah: Teng Chang Yeow