DAP: Claim that party failed to attract Chinese voters unacceptable

DAP denied claims that it failed to effectively engage Chinese voters in Sungai Bakap, leading to the government’s loss there.

Penang DAP organisation secretary H’ng Mooi Lye said in a statement said such an accusation was unacceptable.

“All unity government component parties have worked hard and given strong support to the Pakatan Harapan candidate in this by-election.

“No less, DAP leaders came down to Sungai Bakap to campaign tirelessly throughout the campaign period,” he said.

He urged the government to accept the results of the by-election and to continue its work to convince voters rather than blame each other.

Poor turnout

He was referring to a statement made yesterday by Umno veterans association leader Mustapha Yaakub, in which the latter said that Umno had poured in considerable effort and resources to help Harapan with the election but claimed that the same could not be said for DAP.

Perikatan Nasional retained the Sungai Bakap seat with an increased majority and vote share in the by-election, as lower turnout hit Harapan hard.

PN is touting its victory as a sign that Malaysians, including non-Malays, were rejecting the Harapan-led Madani government.

According to PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, an early analysis showed Malay voter turnout was 70 percent, while only 47 percent Chinese and 58 percent Indian voters cast their ballots.

In H’ng's statement, he said that changes brought by the coalition government were hard to accept, leading to the people’s loss of confidence.

“However, the unity government will continue to intensify efforts to defend the fate of the people, and implement policies for the benefit of the people so that everyone can experience the reforms brought by the unity government,” he said.

He went on to say that the government will continue to listen to views expressed by the grassroots to regain the trust and support of Malaysians.

The Sungai Bakap by-election was held following the death of incumbent Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24 due to stomach inflammation. - Mkini