She resorted to the Bahasa Malaysia video after a 58-second video went viral on social media showing her apparently unable to answer questions in Malay when interviewed by reporters.

In the new video, Leong said in Malay that she hoped the public would not misunderstand the matter.

“Yesterday, there was a video that went viral on social media saying I did not understand the Malay language. I do speak Malay. And I hope the voters in Kesidang do not misunderstand the (earlier) video and will support or vote for me,” she said.

The 29-year-old MCA candidate is an election newcomer. Her rivals in the contest are Allex Seah of Pakatan Harapan, who is seeking re-election, and Patrick Ng of Perikatan Nasional. Seah was elected by a landslide in 2018.

In yesterday’s 58-second video clip, Leong was seen being asked by a reporter in English and Bahasa Malaysia for her thoughts on the “stability for prosperity” theme used by BN in the Melaka elections. However, she could not answer the question.

Following this, another reporter asked in Bahasa Malaysia what her strategy was as a young candidate competing with other political seniors.

To this, Leong replied in English that she would try her best.