Shahrir mocks DAP over internal tsunami in Johor

In their quest to create a political tsunami in Johor, they created a tsunami in their own backyard, says the Umno strongman.

JOHOR BARU: Opposition parties in Johor are facing a “tsunami” as they fight over the decision to field “parachute” candidates in the 13th general election.

Former member of parliament for Johor Baru, Shahrir Samad said the Pakatan Rakyat (PR) decision to field Lim Kit Siang as “parachute” candidate for Gelang Patah parliamentary seat was disputed by Johor PKR leaders.

“In their quest to create a political “tsunami” in Johor, they created a “tsunami” in  their own backyard. The “tsunami” will destroy their chances to capture Johor in the general election,” he told a press conference at Johor Baru Umno office today.

The PR decision to field Kit Siang as the candidate for Gelang Patah caused Johor PKR chairman Chua Jui Meng to “sulk” and take two weeks vacation.

Shahrir said Chua has worked hard in Gelang Patah before it was ‘seized’ by DAP which put its adviser as candidate to start a  political “tsunami”in Johor.

Besides Gelang Patah, he also gave example of how Johor Baru PKR division chief Tan Poh Lai was sidelined and Hashim Hussein was named as the candidate for Johor Baru.

“I pity her (Tan Poh Lai). PKR did not appreciate all the hard work done by her in Johor Baru over the years and chose an outsider as the candidate.”

Lawyer Tan who once worked with the Attorney-General’s Chamber was touted as a candidate for the Johor Baru seat until retired general Hashim was named.

The long serving MP said that the opposition way was different from BN which favours locals and the level of service given by them to the people.

Asked about Hashim, Shahrir said that he did not know the opposition candidate and leave it to Johor Baru voters to choose their elected representatives.

Bernama