DAP to ‘sacrifice’ seats for Malay candidates

Party leaders have been reportedly meeting with “Malay opinion-makers in small closed-door discussions”.

KUALA LUMPUR: Speculation is rife that DAP will ‘sacrifice’ 10 of its safe seats for its new Malay members.

Sources said although no ‘conclusive decisions’ have been made, the party leaders were discussing matters with potential candidates.

‘Basically DAP will sacrifice its safe seats as a goodwill to its Malay candidates.The objective is to show that the party is not anti-Malay,” said the source.

DAP is apparently aiming to field their ‘winnable’ Malay candidates in parliamentary seats.

“From what we know, the party has identified seven parliamentary seats for their winnable Malay candidates. The others are state seats. Some may contest in both seats.

“But this is still being decided,” said the source.

Post 2008 general election, DAP has been targeting ‘thinking’ Malays to increase its support within the community.

The party is desperately wanting to free itself from its image of representing only the Chinese community.

Currently with DAP are former Transperancy International Malaysia chairman Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim and Zairil Johari, son of former education minister Khir Johari.

Zahril together with DAP youth chief Anthony Loke and party strategist Liew Chin Tong have been tasked with wooing selected Malays.

A coup for DAP

Party leaders have been reportedly meeting with “Malay opinion-makers in small closed-door discussions dealing with issues concerning Islamic state, hudud and bumiputera affirmative action”.

Yesterday the party scored a coup. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak’s former Pekan division information chief Mohd Ariff Sabri Aziz and Negeri Sembilan Umno veteran Aspan Alias joined the party.

Ariff, a former Pulau Manis state assemblyman was with Najib until 2004.

It is also learnt that former Umno minister Zaid Ibrahim will also be contesting under a DAP banner. It is likely that he will be fielded in an urban seat.

Zaid had last month declared that Kita, his party, will not contest in the general election but would instead throw its support behind Pakatan Rakyat.

Confirming rumours of his move to DAP, Ariff said yesterday: “Yes, that is what we are doing (joining DAP). I am impressed by DAP. They are principled, I like their professionalism.

“Don’t read our move as blasphemous or treasonable. In DAP I can speak on the plight of the displaced and disowned Malays with more energy than allowed of in Umno.

“Umno has turned its back on corruption and abuse of political office. DAP abhors these traits. To me these are are attractive propositions. As a Muslim, we are changing wadah not aqidah.”

‘No decisions yet’

Both Ariff and Aspan have been highly critical of Umno and Barisan Nasional’s mindless plundering and abuse of power.

Their move has stirred speculations over where the duo will contest.

Whilst rumours are that they will be fielded in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang respectively, political sources said no “conclusive decisions” have been made.

“The aim is to ensure the candidate wins and we will be careful where we place them. It may or may not be in their respective states,” said an observer.

Pahang has 14 parliamentary seats. The seats are Cameron Highlands (MIC-BN), Lipis (Umno-BN), Raub (MCA-BN), Jerantut (Umno-BN), Indera Mahkota (PKR-Pakatan Rakyat), Kuantan (PKR-Pakatan Rakyat), Pekan (Umno-BN), Maran (Umno-BN), Kuala Krau (Umno-BN), Temerloh (Umno-BN), Bentong (MCA-BN), Bera (Umno-BN) and Rompin (Umno-BN)

Word is that BN could only retain nine of the 14 parliamentary seats in Pahang.

BN is likely to lose in Cameron Highlands, Jerantut, Raub and Bentong. Also in jeopardy is the Bera and Termerloh seats.

Meanwhile BN is also tipped to lose more seats in Negeri Sembilan. Currently DAP holds two out of the current eight parliamentary seats. The seats are Rasah held by DAP Youth chief Anthony Loke and Seremban MP John Fernandez. Teluk Kemang is held by PKR’s Kamarul Baharin Abbas.