Two-term former Tanjung Piai MP Wee Jeck Seng is clearly rearing to begin his campaign to get his seat back.

Yesterday he was announced as Barisan Nasional's candidate to contest in the seat he held from 2008-2018 but lost during last year's general election to Pakatan Harapan's Dr Mohd Farid Mohd Rafik.

There had been much speculation that Umno wanted to field a candidate for BN instead and thus, it was with some jubilance that Wee took the microphone to address the crowd at BN's Tanjung Piai Deepavali gathering last night.

"We have been given a chance to contest in Tanjung Piai, and we must take this chance to seize this seat we once held," said Wee.

He specifically thanked Tanjung Piai Umno chief Hasni Mohammad and its former leader Jefridin Atan who had been touted to contest for their support.

"We must work together as a team. We are in a big family that is BN," said Wee.

He urged his team to learn from the lessons of the GE14 defeat.

"Look at this Harapan government. They give promises, but they are all empty promises," said Wee.

Wee cited rising prices despite the abolishing of the Goods and Services Tax.

"We must use the Tanjung Piai by-election to send a clear message to the government that the people, particularly in this area, are not satisfied with this government."

Wee also called on the Indian community to give its support to BN for the by-election.

"Let's make sure that we have a big turnout on polling day on Nov 16, to ensure that we have a victory," Wee told the crowd.

The experienced Wee will have to take on Gerakan deputy secretary-general Wendy Subramaniam and Tanjung Piai Bersatu division head Karmaine Sardini.

This contest will likely be a much-watched affair as this is BN's first electoral outing since the signing of the Umno-PAS charter of cooperation.