DAP’s former ‘Cowboy’ rep campaigned on a horse

SEREMBAN: Former DAP strongman Hu Sepang actually rode a horse when he contested for the Bukit Pelanduk state seat in the run up to the 1990 general election.

Fondly known as “Cowboy” then because he frequently appeared wearing a hat, the once fiery orator remembers a grey horse, which had been retired from a race course by its former owners, which he rode on to campaign at the constituency now known as Chuah.

The 71-year-old three-term wakil rakyat laughed when he recalled falling off the animal while he made his village rounds.

“A pig farmer who had a few retired race horses offered me one when I went to campaign in the village and I gladly accepted it.

“As we were going around, my young supporters who were following me began revving their engines and this jolted the horse, causing me to fall off,” said Hu, adding that he was rushed to a hospital in Kuala Lumpur.

“Despite excruciating pain, I still continued with my campaign. But unfortunately, I lost,” he said.

Hu said being able to ride on a horse was fun and a unique way to get support.

“I don’t see why any authority should bar a candidate from riding a horse to get to the nomination centre to file his papers,” he said.

Hu was responding to a move by the Election Commission which said that candidates filing their nomination papers at respective centres would not be allowed to come riding on a horse or elephant.

Hu, who won the Sg Ujong state seat (now known as Temiang) in 1978, the Rahang state seat in 1982 and the Mambau state as well as Rasah parliament seats in 1986 said the decision made no sense.

Hu said despite falling off, the experience was unforgettable.

“I always wore this cowboy hat which I bought during a visit to the United States.

“It was so much fun riding during the campaign and the fact that people still remember it makes me happy,” said Hu, who learned to ride during his studies in Australia.