The race is on for BC Liberal Party leadership hopefuls and one candidate is hoping to gain support from Chinese voters.
On Tuesday, Mike de Jong, one of six candidates vying for the BC Liberals’ top spot, tweeted a poster describing his achievements – but not in English.
I am lucky to have so much support on this campaign!
— Mike de Jong (@Mike_de_Jong) January 30, 2018
這次競選黨領獲得這麼多人支持,令我感到榮幸!#bcpoli #bclib18 pic.twitter.com/I67SpM8zwB
Some Twitter users weren’t impressed with the post, however, commenting on de Jong’s attire and focus on the Chinese community.
Really? Really? I'm stunned by his attire. Does this actually work to gain Chinese ethnic votes? I'd wager not. #quickwins #bcpoli https://t.co/bpIvFfmrWh
— Kelly Greene RMD (@kelly_bc_ca) January 31, 2018
I find it appalling when politicians (of any stripe) dress in the traditional or national dress of another culture. Is it cultural appreciation or appropriation? Regardless, it is pandering for ethnic votes. Remember #QuickWins? #bcpoli #RichmondBC https://t.co/llDc0jvor5
— Jack Trovato (@JackTrovatoRCA) January 31, 2018
Where, oh where, did @Mike_de_Jong get the idea for that campaign ad? #vanRE #vanpoli #bcpoli pic.twitter.com/LUXjWdJgcR
— theBreaker.CA (@theBreakerNews) January 31, 2018
Can't. Make. It. Up. https://t.co/mOtaTjBHgL
— Donut Shorts (@DonutShorts) January 31, 2018
Hey look captain slimeball is trying his hand at #quickwins https://t.co/0TmzJAd5F3 #bcpoli https://t.co/eV90s2fdps
— Aaron Best (@mrbestrealty) January 31, 2018
No English? No support or vote from me.
— Kerry Starchuk (@endbirthtourism) January 31, 2018
Formerly the province’s finance minister, de Jong has been an MLA for Abbotsford since 1994. The Liberal leadership race comes to an end this weekend as BC Liberal Party members elect a new leader. Voting takes place by phone or by email between Feb. 1 and Feb. 3. Only members of the BC Liberal Party are eligible to vote.