In Ayer Hitam, Liew gets Malay star power as reinforcement

GE14 | Former minister Daim Zainuddin tonight went on the stump for Liew Chin Tong, the first DAP candidate he campaigned for since coming out for Pakatan Harapan.

While Daim tailored some of his message for the Chinese community by targeting the MCA, a large part of his speech touched on Malay institutions.

Daim, who appeared tired and had to speak while sitting on a chair, spoke of the alleged abuses in Felda and Tabung Haji.

"Let us end Umno's life, vote Harapan so that we can renew this country," he told the 1,500 supporters who turned up at the rally in Bandar Baru Ayer Hitam, located within the state seat of Semarang. 

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli also attended the gathering.

Daim had previously campaigned for Bersatu and PKR candidates. He was at a Malacca Harapan rally yesterday but did not speak.

The Malay vote will be key to Liew's survival in Ayer Hitam. 

With saturated Chinese support in Yong Peng, Liew needs substantial swing among the Malays to unseat MCA incumbent Wee Ka Siong.

During the ceramah, a special video message from Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad was played.

In the video, Mahathir also appeared to target Malay voters.

"The people of Ayer Hitam, especially those who voted BN the last time, I would like to tell you that the BN and Umno today is not the BN and Umno of the past," he said.

Mahathir also emphasised that Liew is someone who can also serve the Malay community.

"He speaks fluent Malay and will serve all people. He will not neglect the Malays in Ayer Hitam.

"I am confident that he will give his best service. So vote for Liew as Harapan's candidate," he said.

The parliamentary seat comprises 58 percent Malay voters, 38 percent Chinese voters and four percent Indian voters.

It includes the Chinese-majority state seat of Yong Peng, which DAP won with a 2,475-vote majority and the state seat of Semarang, which Umno won by a landslide with an 8,075-vote majority. - Mkini