First Time MP June Leow: Low Profile, Big Win

Bordering the state of Pahang, Hulu Selangor is a district in the northern part of Selangor.

Known for its myriad waterfalls and pockets of still-lush jungles, it is no wonder why Hulu Selangor has earned a reputation as a get-away-from-the-city hustle and bustle on weekends and holidays for city-dwellers.

For the past two parliamentary terms, Hulu Selangor returned Barisan Nasional’s P Kamalanathan as MP. In GE14, they did the unthinkable – they voted in droves for PKR’s June Leow.

Leow achieved the impossible - she not only won but with a thumping majority of 40,783 votes.

She campaigned on a platform of; “better work opportunities and better pay”. Her promise for a greater tomorrow is what catapulted her to win a seat in parliament.

“I intend to work closely with the government to improve the education performance in the district as well as increase work opportunities,” says Leow, noting that she intends to develop the tourism sector.

Leow humbly confesses her shocking win as MP for Hulu Selangor had really exceeded her expectations. With a population of 100,000 people, Hulu Selangor is considerably as big as the state of Melaka.

She confesses that winning over a district that is highly populated with Malays was the main struggle when she contested.

“As a Chinese woman, wanting to enter a Malay village it’s a very big challenge, but I’ve successfully managed to penetrate.” Hulu Selangor voters in GE14 comprised of 61 percent Malays.

“I would always describe myself as low profile. However, I think the people wanted a leader who addressed issues that were important to them. Their voices and problems are important and needed to be heard,” Leow adds.

Now that the heat of campaigning is over, June Leow shares her love for line dancing as her way of de-stressing.

A dedicated wife and mother, she candidly shares that she did not expect to enter the political arena after starting a family. However, she acknowledges the importance for women to take an active part in politics.

“I think the support and encouragement is important with the opportunity for women to come forward. If women are not given a chance and are just in the back, they will never be bold enough to come forward.”

“Same goes for the younger generation they also need to be given the opportunities and encouragement to be brave in order to advance forward, and that is very important,” shares Leow.

Podcast of the interview: