DAP expands in Kelantan, courts Malay and Thai communities

The DAP has set up seven new branches within the parliamentary seat of Tumpat in Kelantan.

According to Kelantan DAP chief Chua Chin Hui, the seven new branches are in Kampung Dalam, Geting, Jubakar Darat, Mentua, Terbak, Pasir Puteh dan Kampung Pulau Suri.

He said the seven branches, which were launched yesterday, were in majority Malay and Thai areas.

"The setting up of more branches in Malay-majority areas shows that they no longer fear the negative perception hurled against the DAP by political opponents.

"It is hoped that the DAP can improve on its good work through the setting up of these branches," Chua told Malaysiakini.

He claimed that the party had attracted some 1,000 members through the new branches.

Chua said with the latest branches, the DAP now has a total of 38 branches in Kelantan.

He added that the target is to have 45 branches by year-end.

Kelantan is a PAS stronghold and DAP always had only a limited presence in the state.

DAP contested in one state seat in Kelantan during the last general election, fielding an Orang Asli candidate in the state seat of Galas. He contested under the PKR banner.

BN's Mohd Syahbuddin Hashim won the seat with 7,281 votes while PAS came in second at 5,543 votes. DAP's Nasir Dollah received 2,973 votes. - Mkini