Lim: Pua defeated as he lost touch with the grassroots

Damansara MP Tony Pua was defeated in the Selangor DAP polls because he lost touch with the grassroots, party veteran Lim Kit Siang said.

"It is undeniable that he has contributed much to the party and country, but the challenge for politicians is that they must stay in touch with the grassroots.

"One of the reasons (for his defeat) is that he focused too much on national issues and lost touch with the grassroots," Lim said in a talk at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia last night.

On Sunday, Pua failed to secure a spot in the Selangor DAP's 15-member leadership line-up.

The former Selangor DAP chief finished in 19th place, tied with first-term Bandar Utama assemblyperson Jamaliah Jamaluddin.

Pua had not sought re-election as state chief, and has been replaced by Communications and Multimedia Minister Gobind Singh Deo.

Former Selangor DAP vice-chairperson Hannah Yeoh said another reason Pua was defeated was because he pushed for fresh facesto take centre stage in the last general election.

These "fresh faces" include Yeoh herself, Yeo Bee Yin, Teo Nie Ching and Ong Kian Ming.

All four now have posts in the government. - Mkini