Field Malay candidates in Penang, DAP told
The Penang Malay Congress suggests that the eight Malay DAP leaders, who contested in the last central executive committee election, should be given state or parliament seats.
Hawkeye, FMT
DAP should come out with a candidates’ line-up which appeals to all Malaysians and not just the Chinese, said the Penang Malay Congress president Rahmad Isahak.
It should not be preoccupied with just winning in the general election but focus on how to govern in its aftermath.
“Everybody wants to win in this modern age, but we should also see beyond winning. We have to ensure that after winning, we must learn to manage our victories, otherwise the moment would be shortlived.”
Therefore, the line-up unveiled by DAP should mirror its Malaysian-Malaysia slogan and consist of a rich blend of Chinese, Indians and Malay candidates, Rahmad said in an interview.
He said this was an important consideration in view that DAP’s alliance – Pakatan Rakyat wants to capture Putrajaya in the election.
DAP should also bear in mind that the three Pakatan components are not on equal footing throughout the country, he claimed.
“PAS is strong in the Malay heartland (Kedah) and the east coast, but not readily accepted in states such as Penang whereas PKR is only strong in highly urbanised areas like Selangor.”
Sabah and Sarawak are different stories altogether, he added.
DAP should come up with a line-up which can forsee the possibilities that PAS and PKR candidates may not be accepted in states like Penang, which is DAP’s bastion now, Rahmad said.
Therefore, Rahmad is appealing to DAP supremos Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng and Karpal Singh to ensure that the party fields Malay candidates, particularly in Penang.
This would safeguard DAP in an event that the Malay candidates in PKR and PAS are overwhelmed by the onslaught of Barisan Nasional.
He also suggested that the eight Malay DAP leaders, who contested in the last central executive committee election, should be given state or parliament seats.
They are Ahmad Ton, Harun Ahmad, Syed Solaiman Syed Ibrahim, Tengku Zulpuri Shah Raja Puji, Lt. Col Roseli Abd. Ghani, Zulkifli Mohd. Noor, Zairil Khir Johari and Dr Arifin Omar.
Do not underestimate BN
He said although BN is largely seen as rundown and out of sync here, Pakatan should not underestimate the coalition, which boast of over 10 parties with a membership of over three million politicians.
“Do not think that the brains are with Pakatan only. BN has its fair share of technocrats and talent.”
He said the congress is of the view that DAP is here to stay in Penang for sometime because the voters here are simply fed up of BN and they subscribe to the belief of ABU (Anything But Umno).
So, any candidate using the DAP symbol including the Malays have a chance, and the latter is important in view that Pakatan needs to form a balanced state government, which consists of all major races.
