Astro AEC personality tipped to be DAP's candidate for Balakong

Prominent Chinese broadcast journalist Yunna Tan (above) is tipped to be DAP's candidate for the upcoming Balakong by-election.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, two DAP officials who wished to remain anonymous said that Tan was among those shortlisted.

Tan hosts two popular prime-time Chinese current affairs programmes - "Evening Edition" and "Prime Talk" - on the vernacular Astro AEC.

One of the DAP officials said the fact that Penangite Tan was not born in Selangor was not a problem.

"It won't be the first time DAP fields someone who is not a local," said this source.

Another source said Tan had been offered a seat for the May 9 elections as well but in the end her candidacy did not materialise.

Attempts to contact Tan for comments were unsuccessful while Selangor DAP chief Tony Pua declined to comment.

Meanwhile, Selangor MCA secretary Ng Chok Sin said the party's central committee will be holding a meeting next Friday to decide on a candidate.

He said the by-election will be a tough one for MCA and senior party leaders do not appear to have an appetite for it.

"We can field a local. We can find someone young to give them some campaign experience," said Ng.

Landslide win

The Balakong legislative assembly seat fell vacant after two-term incumbent Eddie Ng passed away on July 20 due to a road accident.

During the May 9 polls, Eddie won Balakong by a landslide, securing 77.5 percent of the total votes cast.

At the time, the MCA candidate polled 10.9 percent of the total votes cast, behind the PAS candidate which polled 11.6 percent.

Nomination day falls on Aug 18 and polling will be held on Sept 8. - Mkini