KUCHING: ‘‘Kolo mee, laksa, kopi ‘O’ (black coffee) teh-C peng (iced milk tea)...’’ these are the common orders to be heard in any coffee shops in the city.
However, the state capital has more to offer other than the local delicacies - the diversity and unity among the multiracial society.
This is what 41-year-old Sarawak United People’s Party Wanita Chief, Kho Teck Wan, sees.
Kho is the Sarawak Barisan Nasional candidate for opposition stronghold Bandar Kuching in the 14th General Election
“Walk into any coffee shops in the morning, we can see stalls operate by different races and customers from various beliefs and religious background.
“Sometimes, I don’t know if my kolo mee is delicious or if its the environment that makes my food taste better,” said Kho, an information technology consultant by training.
After working in United States for a decade, Kho returned in 2011 and found the people in Sarawak exectly as she left it - “still living in harmony despite our differences”.
“Things changed as development progress took place but I want the peace and harmony in Sarawak to continue for the future generation,” she said.
Kho knows Bandar Kuching is an opposition stronghold but she is determined to do her best and reach out to as many people as she can to convince.
“My love for my hometown is my strength and it keeps me strong to continue this struggle. I want to do the best for Kuching,” she told the New Straits Times recently.
Flash floods in the city, she said, was among issues that needs to be addressed promptly.
It occurs whenever there is heavy downpour, flooding main routes, affecting people’s daily lives, she said.
“The city needs to improve the mitigation system and drainage.”
Kho also aspires to create a support system for mothers, to tackle issues faced by them, especially those who work for a living.
“We should not let motherhood limit what a woman can do. I hope to create a holistic support system to ensure all the women can perform well in their career too,” she said.
As the capital of the state, Kuching needs to offer more economic and job opportunities for the young generation.
Kho credited her parents, who were the former SUPP comrades, as they were always ready and dedicated to help the people.
“It is a natural progression and we grew up knowing that we should help within our capacity,” she said.
Bandar Kuching, a Chinese-majority seat has been held by the Sarawak DAP chief Chong Chieng Jen for three-terms.
However, the opposition had named a new face, Dr Kelvin Yii to stand this time around as Chong has opted for Stampin.
The 32-year-old candidate who enjoys food and cooking, has also been involved in humanitarian works since medical school and volunteered in medical humanitarian missions, including on the rural areas of Sarawak and other parts in Asia.
When asked to comment about his opponent, Hii said he respects Kho as a person who have the desire to be in politics and wanted to bring changes.
“But, we have a different political interests and opinions. We are standing on different platforms,” Yii said.
In the GE13, Chong won by a majority of 19,642 votes over his SUPP opponent Tan Kai.