As the race for GE15 kicks off, DAP candidate for Klang V Ganabatirau said that he wants his predecessor Charles Santiago to campaign with him for the polls.
This comes following backlash from Klang constituents after learning of Charles’ exclusion despite 15 years of service, in the months leading to Ganabatirau’s nomination for the parliamentary seat.
“I never campaigned against Charles at all and I never signed a memorandum for the seat.
“I have personally invited him to campaign with me on walkabouts and to be part of my speech line-up,” he told Malaysiakini, stressing it was never a seat grab.
Following speculation that Charles might be dropped from contesting - business groups, community associations and NGOs in Klang called on DAP to retain him.
“That (constituents speaking out for him) shows that he really engages with the people.
“I really welcome him and hope he will come (campaign with me),” Ganabatirau (above) said.
Meanwhile, he said there were no plans yet for a dossier of Charles’ work as MP in the constituency to be handed over to him.
Charles a consistent MP
Ganabatirau acknowledged that Charles built a good network with the locals and was a consistent MP.
“I respect him and appreciate his good work in Klang.
“He engaged very well with his constituents during the Covid-19 pandemic and floods, which made the people happy with him and I’ll admit that.
“As a three-term MP, it shows that Charles has constantly engaged with the locals and used his allocations wisely,” he said.
On what he would do to win voters’ hearts over, Ganabatirau reasoned that it was the party (coalition) and not an individual they were choosing.
“I believe people will support Pakatan Harapan because people are hungry to see reforms at the national level.
“I don’t want to be arrogant by saying that I have all the support because I believe that people still want to see the party win, not any individual.
“And I am thankful to my leadership and will appreciate those who can welcome me,” Ganabatirau added.
‘I come with an open heart’
Ganabatirau explained that he was not a newcomer to Klang as he had served as an assemblyperson for the state constituency of Kota Alam Shah, under a previous electoral delineation.
“I believe people want to work with me. But I can’t do anything if people knowingly or unknowingly see me as an enemy.
“I am offering myself with an open heart. I came here hoping to do something in Klang,” he assured.
Klang is a Chinese-majority area with 55 percent of the population, followed by the Malays (27 percent) and Indians (17 percent).
Ganabatirau will face Dr Jaya Chandran Perumal (Bersatu-PN) and Tee Hooi Ling (MCA-BN) for the seat.- Mkini
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