Are you afraid we'll contest in Merlimau, DAP leader mocks Akmal

 

Malacca DAP Youth chief Cassel Krishnan mocked Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh over the latter’s vitriol over suggestions for BN and Pakatan Harapan to contest an equal number of seats in the Malacca state election.

“When DAP grassroots tabled a motion for coalition government allies to contest an equal number of seats in the state elections, why did Akmal get agitated?

“Is he afraid that DAP may contest for the Merlimau seat?” Cassel (above) asked in a statement today.

Yesterday, Akmal took umbrage over a proposal for BN and Harapan to each contest half of the 28 state seats in Malacca.

This came after China Press reported that nine DAP branches in Malacca unanimously passed a resolution supporting the so-called “14+14” strategy for the next state election - a move that, if followed through, means BN would have to cede some of the seats it already holds.

Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh

“My answer to DAP is simple. During seat negotiations for the six state elections (in 2023), you found it extremely difficult to give up your winning seats to BN. But now, you so easily want the seats we have already won.

“Therefore, the seats BN has won will never be given to Harapan. If you want them, then we’ll contest in the same constituencies. Simple as that.

“To give them to you? Absolutely not. Keep dreaming,” the Merlimau assemblyperson said.

Nothing carved on stone

On that note, Cassel said that as a party that respects democracy, DAP would always take into consideration the views of the nine DAP branches, as it represents the grassroots’ wishes.

However, the final decision on the seats’ allocation would be decided by the Harapan presidential council and the political pact which may be formed to face the upcoming polls.

“So, Akmal need not jump the gun for BN. If he is sincere, we can always contest (in the state election) together, with each contesting half of the 28 state seats.

“However, if Akmal is uncomfortable with the unity formula, say it now and don’t ask for Harapan machinery to help when Umno is campaigning."

The DAP leader also reminded Akmal that Harapan did make concessions for Umno in the 2023 state elections, when the coalition allowed Umno to contest for the Dusun Tua state seat in Selangor despite it being a safe seat for DAP.

“And that proves our commitment to the coalition government. Plus, it was one of the two seats that Umno won in Selangor,” Cassel said. - Mkini