Klang voters prefer incumbent MP Charles - survey

A survey of a small segment of the Klang constituency showed more voters choosing its incumbent MP Charles Santiago over other DAP politicians.

This was amid rumours that Selangor state assemblypersons V Ganabatirau (Kota Kemuning) and Ean Yong Hian Wah (Seri Kembangan) would contest in Charles’ place.

The survey, commissioned by a group of “concerned constituents”, saw 401 people responding.

It revealed that 41.9 percent chose Charles (above), 29.2 percent chose Ganabatirau, and 30.4 percent chose Ean Yong.

A majority of 54.1 percent said they were familiar with Charles’ name and face, while 28.4 percent were familiar with Ganabatirau, and 17.5 percent were familiar with Ean Yong.

The group, who identified themselves as Pakatan Harapan supporters, commissioned a polling organisation to survey the views of Klang voters on their preferred DAP candidate.

Kota Kemuning state assemblyperson V Ganabatirau

A representative of the group, Gan Ee Chai, who is also a former Klang Municipal Council (MPK) councillor, said DAP may have mistaken Klang as being a safe seat.

This is as Charles’ winning margin has grown over the past three general elections, he said.

DAP may be over-confident

“As Harapan (supporters) in the P110 Klang constituency and the greater Klang area, we are deeply concerned with the overconfidence of some Harapan leaders thinking that P110 Klang is a safe constituency that anyone can win with the right party symbol.

“We are worried by such over-confidence because many of our friends indicate their disappointment that they may not vote,” Gan shared when asked the reason behind conducting the survey.

The three-time incumbent Klang MP has been enjoying an increasing majority margin in the past three general elections from 17,701 in 2008, to 24,685 in 2013, and 78,773 in 2018.

There were 149,348 total votes in the 2018 general election.

Seri Kembangan state assemblyperson Ean Yong Hian Wah

Survey demographics

The survey consisted of in-person interviews conducted by university students over three days last week.

Respondents were voters from three state constituencies under the Klang parliamentary constituency: Bandar Baru Klang, Port Klang, and Pandamaran.

Association of Academy for Democracy and Citizenship Education deputy president Khairul Ariffin who carried out the survey explained that respondents were asked about the constituency they voted in.

“But we didn’t check their MyKad or their details on the electoral database to avoid the survey becoming a voter profiling issue.

“Respondents were from residential areas, local grocery shops, markets, and eateries, but not shopping complexes,” he said.

Swell of support

Although there was chatter within DAP late last year that Charles may not be allowed to defend his seat, rumours have been rife over the past month that either Ganabatirau or Ean Yong would contest in his place for the upcoming 15th general election.

Since then, many locals have pledged their support for Charles as their preferred candidate, including 21 Chinese business and community associations in the constituency.

Gan said while party leaders had many factors to consider before making a decision, they should not take for granted the preference of voters.

An online petition was also started today addressed to DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook, asking for Charles to be DAP’s candidate for Klang.

Initially seeking to garner 500 signatures, the petition exceeded this figure in two hours.

Petition creator Wesley Lau wrote that Charles has done good work in the constituency.

Meanwhile, Charles, who is the chairperson of the Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights, maintains that he has no plans to vacate the seat. - Mkini