I was first elected as a List Member of Parliament for the Labour Party in 2008 and currently sit on the Law and Order Committee and hold spokesperson roles for the Law Commission, Statistics and Chinese Community Affairs.
Prior to becoming a Member of Parliament, I practised law in Auckland and worked as a journalist for the New Zealand Herald as the Asian Affairs reporter.
During my first term in Parliament I drafted three members’ bills (Ethnic Representation on the new Auckland council, Export Education Amendment Bill, and the Migrant Levy Amendment Bill). It was a pleasure to work closely with key stakeholders and community members on issues that affect New Zealanders.
I am passionate about a New Zealand where we are smarter because we are smaller and we have a strong economy which is driven by innovative business and close links to the world’s big economies.
As the Chinese Community Affairs Spokesperson, I see the main issues facing the Chinese/Asian community this election as being the increasing cost of living, plans to grow our economy (including job creation) and law and order.
The rate of Asian unemployment is above the national average and currently sits at nine per cent. Like all New Zealanders the Asian community has found the going tough throughout the recession and is frustrated that the National-Act-M_ori Government has failed to present any plan to grow our economy other than silly asset sales.
I also hold a number of other positions in the community and am currently a Trustee on the board of the Asia New Zealand Foundation.