AYER HITAM, MALAYSIA: One MCA candidate in the state is campaigning in her own special way - singing her way into the hearts of voters.

Yong Peng state seat incumbent Lim Kee Moi, also known as the "Karaoke YB" among her constituents, said that she and her team were busy singing at events organised by the people.

"Most political talk can be boring but when you have a karaoke session, the atmosphere changes and people are more relaxed," she said, adding that this was an effective way to get close to the people.

Lim said she and her team of MCA women have even been invited to sing at weddings in her constituency.

"We were very busy singing at many events during the recent Chinese New Year celebrations," she said in an interview.

Asked whether she had a karaoke set in her car, she just smiled and said that most of the time there were public address systems and a karaoke set at the events.

Lim, who is also state MCA deputy Wanita chief, said that most of her constituents were people working in rubber and oil palm plantations.

"Once they finish work they relax and many of them sing," she said, adding that her favourite song was a Mandarin number by the late Teresa Teng titled Tian Mi Mi (Very Sweet or Happiness).

Asked if she had taken part in any karaoke competition, she said she won a consolation prize during a family day for Johor assemblymen and assemblywomen.

Lim added that besides her favourite songs, the group also sang five other songs, which were meant for weddings and other auspicious events.

Lim is facing Ng Lam Swa of the DAP.

In the 2004 elections, she beat DAP's Chew Peck Choo with a 3,847 majority.