The First Encounter with Hannah Yeoh

Tuesday, 3 February 2009

The First Encounter with Hannah Yeoh

February 20 will mark an important milestone for residents in Subang Jaya. SJ Echo broke the story on who was going to be the candidate for the Subang Jaya State constituency during the General Elections and immediately got in touch with then, little known, Hannah Yeoh.

It happened in the late afternoon at Starbucks Taipan when we first met up with Hannah and her husband Ramanchandran Muniandy (better known to us as Ram now), who were then “ordinary residents” like all of us. Back then, she was just a resident in USJ and we had the privilege of having our maiden encounter with the couple.

We posed a few questions over to Hannah while she was away in the United States on her thoughts about what’s been happening since our first meeting.

Today, we bring to you both their reflections of the year that was and what they have in mind for the future. We also bring to you exclusive photographs of Hannah and Ram, taken during our first meeting with the couple with several of their friends and supporters one year ago.

Question: Did you have any idea of what you were stepping into when we first met up a year ago?

When my husband and I jointly decided to say yes to running for election, I knew then that I was putting my life on the altar of national service. I calculated the risks involved (running on an opposition ticket) and being a legally trained person (I don't take risks very well) BUT still decided to go for it because I knew it was my moment to respond to the nation's call for making a difference for my generation.

Question: Being newly-weds (just over a month then), what was Ram's first reaction when you were selected to go for the ADUN seat?

He was very supportive of the decision. Taking the challenge to make a difference is something he feels strongly about too but I know sometimes, when he sees me going through a very rough day, I can see it in his eyes wondering if he had done the right thing by encouraging me to take it up.

Question: You were shy and very girlish then (when we met). How has this changed over the year? What has contributed to the change?

I am still shy!
Sometimes when I walk into a restaurant full of people to have dinner, I know there are people who recognise me but I am quite shy in nature to wave and smile at everyone.
Girlish? Has that changed? Oh no! I hope not. My wardrobe had to change drastically after I won the election. I am mindful that I am now a state assemblyman and that wearing some of my old casual clothes may be something that is culturally insensitive to others. I am mindful that I now represent all residents of Subang Jaya, people of different ages, races, religions and cultures and this change in mindset may have contributed to the change you see.

Question: What did you think of Subang Jaya then and what do you think of it now?

On the residents - I knew then that Subang Jaya residents are very vocal and knowledgeable but having worked with some of them now has changed that perception.
I have come to realise that there are some who are genuinely concerned of the needs of other residents while some are only vocal for the sake of speaking up and have hidden agenda/selfish interest.

On the township - Then, I thought it was overdeveloped. Now, I still think it is overdeveloped. It is almost impossible for me to "undevelop" or reverse this situation. However, I will do everything I can to prevent further unsustainable development. The township must be able to sustain any proposed developments, and anything that contravenes this basic principle is not something which I will support.

Nevertheless, I still love serving the people of Subang Jaya because this is my hometown. This is where I belong.

Question: We know it hasn't been easy dealing with issues in Subang Jaya. This is topped up with having to learn the ropes to deal with government, the corporate sector and the community, who can be at times very demanding. What's your take on this?

I climbed a very steep learning curve, an extremely steep one and I am still climbing it! I used to take many issues personally and sometimes these issues keep me awake till wee hours in the morning. The stress level for this job is very high.
Having moved from being an opposition to becoming the state government is challenging. I am very thankful for my years of training as a lawyer. Having a legal background does help me in understanding the issues better. Many residents want to see instant changes but they don't fully understand the challenges or limitations involved. I didn't have an official transition or handover of all issues from the former assemblyman.
Residents approached me with their outstanding issues and many people only disclosed to me 50% of the facts involved and hid the rest. I had to do my own investigation at MPSJ or other sources to verify these facts. All these takes time considering the bulk of complaints I have received. To date, I have received more than 6000 emails from residents. I too want things to change quickly but this can only happen with the co-operation of civil servants, federal government and combined with a change in mindset of the residents involved.

Question: Have your objectives or targets changed (or modified) between then and now?

Some of my main objectives during campaign were to prevent overdevelopment, to ensure effective checks and balances in MPSJ and improving the safety of our neighbourhood. These objectives have not changed. I have fought hard against every proposed development in residential areas and stood with the residents.
On checks and balances, I am not a councilor yet I make it a point to attend each monthly full board meeting at MPSJ to observe policies decided by the councilors and I constantly make spot checks at public places to see the quality of services provided by MPSJ and the contractors involved. On improving safety of neighbourhood, I persuaded MPSJ for the lighting of 27 parks in my constituency and work closely with the police to improve security.

Question: You were nick-named "Chili Padi" during the elections campaign...has the chili padi of Subang Jaya become spicier or has she molded herself to be a firebrand of her own calling?

Chili padi is Fong Po Kuan's nickname. I don't consider myself a chili padi but I am flattered by that compliment. I have my own style of working and my own methods in dealing with issues and I suppose if I can remain fierce and vocal in fighting corruption, I will in essence be a sort of chili, though not necessarily a chili padi!

Question: The golden question - You adore kids and have shown your affection for them on many occasions. Are you planning to start a family (kids) while in office?

I believe children are special gifts from God and yes we do intend to start a family and I will then have to learn how to manage my career and my family, just like all other working women in our society.

The Man behind the Woman

There’s the saying that behind every successful man, there’s a woman. In Subang Jaya however, we are always unique and we have been blessed to always have something different. Our State Assemblyman Hannah Yeoh is going to be one year in office this coming March. Who has been her guiding light and pillar of support to face the many different whims and fancies of the constituency?
Who’s been constantly by her side to wipe the tears of frustration away, to listen to her thoughts and also to lend support when she’s in need? SJ Echo brings you an exclusive with Ramanchandran Muniandy (Ram), Hannah’s husband, a man who is seen constantly by her side and behind the scenes.
In this season of Valentines, we dedicate this page to Hannah and Ram, for the labor of love both of you have showered onto the community, the sacrifices and hard work you have both without hesitation given to all of us here.
This is what Ram has to say when posed a few questions:

Question: What was your first reaction when told Hannah was offered to run for the DUN Subang Jaya seat?

She actually called me up (I was in my office at that time) to ask my opinion and agreement if she should take up the offer or not. This came as a total surprise to us both. I was quite taken aback but I did not hesitate to say yes, that she should accept it. At that time, it wasn't a confirmed offer, just an offer to be on standby. But we knew we couldn't say no. We had to walk the talk and practice what we preached - that young people of this nation must be willing to stand up and be involved in governance. So we said yes.

Question: How has it been over the last year?

It's been tough, without doubt the toughest year of both our lives. We have managed to cope with the demands and challenges that come with the office of an elected representative, it took us a good few months though but we have managed to now find a normalcy to all of this. It's our service to our nation and to God. We cannot see it any other way.

Question: What's your personal feeling about what Hannah is doing, how she is doing and the challenges she faces along the way?

I personally think that I won't be able to do what Hannah does, and to do it as well as she does it. It's mentally very draining. I have been very involved in all that she does, but I had a first-hand experience of being in her shoes during the last few weeks while she's away in the United States for the International Visitor Leadership Program.

I had to represent Hannah in several meetings and also attend to several matters on her behalf. It was quite daunting. It's not as easy as some may think it to be. The pressure of the job is quite unreal. I had a renewed sense of respect and adoration for my wife after that! I am extremely proud of Hannah. She puts her heart and soul into her role as the State Assemblyman of Subang Jaya.

Question: What's your personal message to our readers?

In the last one year, we have met some amazing Malaysians who exhibit so much love for this country, and some not-so amazing Malaysians who only pay lip service. Many may be pondering as you read this; it's been one year, what change has come?
We have young people who are more aware of politics and better engaged with it today than ever before. Those who believe in the power of change must play their part. You cannot expect the world around you to change if you're not changing with it. I have colleagues come up to me and ask me for assistance with their friend's business license in MPSJ, saying that money is not a problem! Unbelievable! This is coming from a young man who has not had much experience being shaped by the system of corruption, but yet that's how he operates.
If you operate from a place of pessimism, hopelessness and deceits, then that's the shape of the world around you. You will tend to look at everything pessimistically. I have a colleague who simply abhorred the Sept 16 takeover plan not because he was opposed to Pakatan Rakyat or any other sound principles, but because he feared the possibility of a racial riot! I thought this was the mindset of the previous generation, not one of this generation.
Many Malaysians are not thinking for themselves. Tthey are simply arriving at opinions from the experiences of others and not their own. My message to readers of SJ Echo is to gain the experiences for yourself. It will not cause you to change your principles, but it will help you to have a different perspective. You will not only complain, you will then seek ways to improve your nation.