Kho, 41, a political newcomer and a cyber security expert, said: “I’m not naïve. I’m starting out with a deficit of 20,000 votes.
“It will be tough but I will soldier on,” she said when asked about her chances at a press conference here today.
The SUPP Wanita chief is pitted against DAP’s Dr Kelvin Yii in a straight fight for the prized Kuching seat, an opposition bastion since 2004. Yii is also a political newbie.
In GE13, DAP’s Chong Chieng Jen defeated BN/SUPP’s Tan Khai with a whopping majority of 19,642 votes in a constituency of 53,336 voters.
This was the reason Kho said she was starting her campaign with 20,000 votes to overcome.
At the press conference to announce her manifesto, Kho articulated her points well, declaring that her priorities were education and the digital economy.
“I support meritocracy, not only in education but in other spheres as well, such as promotions within the civil service.”
The SUPP candidate also promised a detailed study to overcome the persistent floods in Kuching.
Kho also complimented her opponent, describing Yii as polite and a gentleman.
On nomination day, Yii had said that he had a lot of respect for Kho and that he was not taking his opponent for granted.
“She is a woman to be reckoned with,” Yii had said.