In the Chinese Press: DAP maintains ‘4 exco posts’ demand
Chan Wei See, fz.com
Selangor DAP chief Teresa Kok said her party is standing firm with its decision to seek four seats in the Selangor state executive council, and hinted that all four nominees are Chinese, Sin Chew Daily reported.
The daily quoted her as saying that she has submitted the four names to Menteri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, and that the party has no alternative plan at the moment.
“If there is any change, we need to sit down and discuss with (the other two parties in Pakatan Rakyat). For now DAP maintains its stand; we have to wait until the MB returns from Germany on Friday for further discussions,” she was quoted as saying.
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng had earlier announced that Sungai Pinang state assembly member Datuk Teng Chang Khim and Seri Kembangan state assembly member Ean Yong Hian Wah will be recommended for the Selangor exco posts.
The other DAP assembly members in the state are Ng Suee Lim (Sekinchan), Lau Weng San (Kampung Tunku), Hannah Yeoh (Subang Jaya), Lee Kee Hiong (Kuala Kubu Baru) and V. Ganabatirau (Kota Alam Shah).
The Chinese press had speculated that Ganabatirau stands a good chance of being chosen, but Sin Chew today said that Kok has given an indication that all four DAP nominees are Chinese.
If DAP secures four exco posts, then PKR’s Bukit Lanjan state assembly member Elizabeth Wong will be dropped from the line-up.
Azmin Ali not recommended for exco post
Meanwhile Sin Chew Daily also reported that the PKR political bureau has declined to recommend party deputy president Azmin Ali – who does not enjoy a good relationship with Khalid – for an exco post.
It is to avoid an open quarrel between the two of them, a source said, adding that the political bureau was also worried that Azmin would go against Khalid’s decisions.
According to the source, newly elected Kajang state assembly member Lee Chin Cheh from Azmin’s camp has also been ruled out as he is considered too junior to hold an exco post.
Selangor PKR, which is led by Azmin, has recommended four names to PKR headquarters, namely Azmin himself, Lee, Dr Xavier Jayakumar (Sri Andalas) and Haniza Talha (Taman Medan).
Since Azmin and Lee have been ruled out, Shuhaimi Shafiei (Sri Muda), Xavier and Haniza have a higher chance of being appointed, the daily said.
Dong Zong willing to meet Mary Yap
Dong Zong (United Chinese School Committees Association) has expressed its willingness to meet newly appointed Deputy Education & Higher Learning Minister I Mary Yap Kain Ching, to discuss Chinese education issues.
Dong Zong deputy chairman Chow Siew Hon told China Press that the Chinese education group will sort out memorandums which had been submitted to relevant government departments and make an appointment with the ministry for the purpose.
“I’m very happy to hear that Yap has expressed her concerns about Chinese education. Even though she doesn’t understand Mandarin, she is still concerned about Chinese education. Dong Zong is willing to exchange ideas with her,” said Chow.
Yap said she is willing to meet Dong Zong representatives and other Chinese educationists to discuss Chinese education issues, in an interview with Sin Chew. She reiterated her willingness when she spoke to China Press yesterday.