DAP won’t force anyone to help out, says Loke
HULU SELANGOR: DAP will not force any party or individual to assist the unity government’s election machinery in the Kuala Kubu Baharu state by-election.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the party, which is part of the unity government, would instead intensify efforts to strengthen the Selangor state government’s position to allow its candidate, Pang Sock Tao, to win the by-election.
“The by-election is not about the party. It is about the people. Hence, I believe that winning support from voters is the most important goal, not (allegiance to) any particular party.
“We greatly appreciate those (parties) who help us, (but) we are not forcing those that do not want to help.
“It is their right if they are not willing to help, and I do not need to argue with them.
“The most important thing is the voters because they will make the decision and choose their representative,” he said after the nomination process for the by-election here yesterday.
Loke, who is also the transport minister, said this when asked if the party wished to console Barisan Nasional component party MCA.
MCA had previously said the party would not lend any help to the unity government’s candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
Loke said what was more important was that the candidate fielded by the unity government could represent the administration’s voices and ensure they could win to allow a stable and strong government for the constituency’s progress and development.
He added that PH received tremendous support and commitment from BN to retain the state seat.
He also said Wanita Umno had continuously been involved in ground operations to help PH in the election campaign.
“Even BN chairman Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today (yesterday) attended (the nomination process) to provide moral support.
“Coupled with our PH machinery, we believe that we can run the (election) campaign well.”
Meanwhile, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said MCA was still part of the unity government even though it was staying away from the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
Saifuddin, who is Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, said MCA leaders still attended meetings involving parties in the unity government, indicating the former’s willingness to cooperate with others in government.
“MCA remains as a party in the unity government, in Barisan Nasional, so there should not be a question about what will happen without MCA,” he said after launching the Crime Prevention Carnival here yesterday.
“A few days ago, I had a meeting with leaders of the unity government, and (MCA president) Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong was there. In fact, he sat next to me.
“When I chaired a meeting between Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional last week at the Kuala Lumpur World Trade Centre, MCA’s representative (vice-president) Datuk Lawrence Low attended.
“So I see their attendance as a symbol of their willingness to cooperate. I view this in a positive light,” he said.
MCA had decided against helping non-BN candidates in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
Several MCA leaders had reiterated the party’s stance to stay out of the campaign for several reasons, including over insulting remarks made by DAP leaders.