CONSTITUENTS in Chennah can look forward to interacting with their newly-elected state representative, Siow Chen Pin, once he sets up his own blog.

The 43-year-old, who feels blogging is a powerful communications tool, hopes to reach out to more people and wants his constituents to communicate with him.

"Nowadays, people, especially youngsters, express their wishes through blogs," said the former English school teacher, who says he will continue to visit his constituency every Thursday.

Siow is the only MCA candidate in Negri Sembilan who won the seat he contested, beating DAP's How Wee Shiong with a 1,298-vote majority in the general election.

"At that time, I didn't know what to think. I was upset. The next thing I knew, I was appointed an executive councillor for the Housing, Local Government, New Village and Public Transport portfolio. I realised that I had to continue because I represented MCA in the state," said Siow, who joined the party in 1986.
The University of Malaya graduate, born and raised in Titi, Jelebu, had worked as a personal assistant to former Chennah state assemblyman Maj (Rtd) Datuk Lim Yong.

"I am going to continue his work. I am quite familiar with the area and the constituents and I know the problems they face because I followed Lim around and assisted in carrying out duties in Chennah."

Among the work "Cikgu Siow", as people refer to him, assisted his predecessor with was the setting up of a Tenaga Nasional Bhd sub-station and overseeing the establishment of a water treatment plant to overcome frequent power cuts and water-rationing.

"After teaching for 17 years, I am ready to serve people with the knowledge I gained from serving with Lim. To become a politician, you cannot suddenly assume the role. There is much learning and preparation involved," said the second-last child from a family of 10 children.

"Life has certainly changed for me. It's a 360-degree turn. I used to fish after school, now I don't have time for that.

"Before, I could spend time with my wife (kindergarten teacher Kong Moy Yin) and three school-going children, but now my family time is limited. On weekends, I'm fully-occupied with events."

Siow can be reached at 06-6112589 at his service centre located at 90B Jalan Besar Kim Loong, 71650 Titi, Jelebu, Negri Sembilan or by e-mail at ybsiow@ns.gov.my.