Differences resolved, Pahang DAP supports Sakmongkol

Although it had objected to the ‘parachuting’ of former Umno assemblyperson Mohd Ariff Sabri Abdul Aziz into the Raub parliamentary constituency, Pahang DAP has now thrown its support behind the prominent blogger.

In a joint statement issued by Pahang DAP state secretary Choong Siew Onn and state deputy chief Tengku Zulpuri Raja Puji Shah (right), who had initially been tipped to contest the seat, the duo declared their support.

“Most of the complaints and different views on the transfer of Tengku Zulpuri from Raub to the Mentakab state seat have been explained by the party central leadership and Pahang DAP committee,” reads the statement.

“Therefore the branches and operation centres in both constituencies have understood the strategy of the central leadership, and will go to the ground to mobilise the grassroot in full force. They are confident of winning both constituencies.”

Tengku Zulpuri also said that he understands the decision to field him in Mentakab and that he has taken action to facilitate the change of constituency from April 4.

“Raub DAP committee members and I are happy and grateful as we have obtained the agreement and support of all committee members and operation centres over our action,” he said in the statement.

When contacted, he said that he will abide by the decision of the central leadership and hopes that Mohd Ariff Sabri (left) will complete his unfinished efforts in Raub.
    
DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng hadannounced on April 1 that Mohd Ariff, popularly known by his blogger handle of Sakmongkol AK47, will be fielded in Raub. Tengku Zulpuri will contest in Mentakab, a state seat in the Temerloh parliamentary constituency.

The announcement had caught local DAP leaders and supporters by surprise as Tengku Zulpuri has been doing the groundwork in the constituency, while Mohd Ariff is a stranger to Raub folk.

The Raub division then appealed to the party central leadership to reconsider the decision.