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JOHOR: Many high-profile new candidates in the Malaysia general election this year come from prominent political families.
However, not all of them are thrust to the forefront in the same way.
One Barisan Nasional candidate in Johor is entering politics at a very difficult time in his personal life.
31-year-old Chua Tee Yong is the Barisan Nasional candidate in Labis which is in northern Johor.
His father is the former Malaysian Health Minister, Dr Chua Soi Lek.
Dr Chua resigned from politics in January, after DVD copies of his sexual tryst were widely distributed in Johor earlier this year.
His son is now contesting the same seat vacated by the former Minister.
The younger Chua said, "My dad is in politics for 23 years, so when you are born in a political...family-based background, there will be a lot of influence. If I'm given the opportunity, I will take up the challenge."
His father was conspicuously absent when the candidate line-up for Johor was confirmed.
However the younger Chua can count on the support of many supporters in Labis.
He said, "Irrespective of what has happened, though there are still people who talk about the scandal, I still have deep respect for my dad. He has the guts, and it's honourable for him to admit it.
"And I hope the rakyat, especially in Labis, the people in Labis, will give me an opportunity to serve them. And not judge me from what happened in the controversy."
Also making his political debut in Rembau, Negeri Sembilan, is Khairy Jamaluddin - the son-in-law of Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi.
In other areas: Mukriz Mahathir, son of former Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohammad, is contesting in Kedah.
And this phenomenon is not unique to the ruling party.
Nurrul Izzah, daughter of former Deputy Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is the poster girl of the opposition.
Meanwhile, DAP strongman Karpal Singh has two sons contesting in this election.
In addition, Hishammuddin Hussein, Head of UMNO Youth, is defending his Semberong seat in central Johor.
He is the son of Malaysia's third Prime Minister Hussein Onn; and his grandfather was UMNO founder Onn Jaafar.
Mr Hishammuddin said, "...at the end of the day, you have to prove yourself. There have been many who have come from very established political families, but at the end of the day, it does not materialise, and they have not fulfilled the expectations of the public. So...in an election like this, you have to go down to the people."
Highly-educated, mature and familiar with the dynamics of party politics in Malaysia - these are characteristics commonly shared by the high-profile newcomers.
However, whether these can be turned to their advantage will only be known on March 8. - CNA/ms
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