DAP ready to take on any challenger in Cameron, including Umno

CAMERON POLLS | Despite Umno being speculated to replace MIC as the BN representative for the Cameron Highlands by-election, DAP adviser Lim Kit Siang remains unfazed, saying his party is ready to take on any challenger in the polls.

“We will fight against anybody who contests,” he told Malaysiakini.

Yesterday, Lim slammed MIC for having “gone into hiding” and allowing Umno supreme council member Noh Omar to speak on its behalf.

“History of sorts has been made, as this is the first time that the MIC national leadership appointed an Umno leader to be its spokesperson,” he said in a statement.

Lim was responding to Noh saying earlier that BN would have a higher chance of retaining the parliamentary seat if it fielded an Umno candidate.

This, Noh said, was because an Umno candidate would inspire confidence among Malay voters in the constituency, who make up more than a third of the voters.

In his statement, Lim also questioned whether MCA would back its BN partner MIC and stand up to Umno deciding to field its own candidate for the by-election.

“If MCA supports MIC on the BN candidate for Cameron Highlands remaining from the MIC, then Umno would be outvoted 2-1 in the BN supreme council.

“But does MCA dare side with MIC against Umno? Does Umno exercise secret veto power in the BN supreme council?”

The underdog

Harapan candidate M Manogaran (photo) – who was pipped by BN candidate C Sivarraajh by just 597 votes in the last general election – said the contest would be difficult regardless of whether the opposing candidate is from Umno or MIC.

“Whether Umno or MIC it is still tough for us, because the BN machinery is very strong. But at the same time, I am not worried, lah. We are ready to fight anybody...

“I know it will be very tough and that I will be the underdog. But then, we will fight on.

“This is a BN stronghold. I hope the people will give me support. This is the third time I will be contesting (in Cameron Highlands)” Manogaran told Malaysiakini.

Malaysiakini reported yesterday that acting Umno president Mohamad Hasan's name was thrown into the ring as a potential candidate.

Others said to be on the list are Pahang Menteri Besar Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail and an Orang Asli leader, who is a former senior police officer.

A source told Malaysiakini yesterday that Wan Rosdy is being investigated by the MACC for his alleged involvement in vote-buying in Cameron Highlands.

It was also reported yesterday that MIC had decided not to contest in Cameron Highlands and it would allow the BN leadership to decide on the candidate.

Last November, the Election Court nullified Sivarraajh’s win after ruling that corrupt practices were carried out prior to the voting and ruled that a by-election be held.

 - Mkini