Incumbent Chennah assemblyperson, Anthony Loke said he would leave the decision on who will contest his state seat to coalitions’ chairpersons Anwar Ibrahim and Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
This comes following reports that the Negeri Sembilan BN chapter had requested the seat.
Loke mentioned that he had expressed DAP’s stand on the matter to Anwar in a meeting a few days ago, adding that he believes Anwar will make the “wisest decision for Harapan and satisfy BN at the same time”.
“Anwar said to let him negotiate. The last round of negotiation will allow the Harapan and BN chairpersons (Anwar and Zahid) to decide.
“Therefore, the component parties need to trust and let the chairpersons negotiate and decide.
“We need to respect each other, otherwise, we won’t have a stable political situation,” he told reporters after chairing the DAP state committee meeting at the Negeri Sembilan party headquarters today.
Asked if he would defend the Chennah state seat in the looming polls, the state DAP chief did not provide a definitive answer.
“That will be answered after the distribution of seats is finalised. I will tell you when the time comes.
“I think we will have the result (following the negotiations) in a week’s time,” Loke said.
Earlier, Negeri Sembilan BN chief Jalaluddin Alias had requested two of Harapan’s 20 incumbent seats to contest in the upcoming state polls.
Nanyang Siang Pau reported that Jalaluddin had sought Harapan to pick two out of a proposed list of four state constituencies submitted to the coalition.
One of the seats includes Loke’s Chennah state seat.
Jalaluddin was reported by the Chinese daily as saying that he believed MCA would have a high chance of emerging victorious in the seat.
“If Harapan gives up the seat, it will be handed over to MCA,” he was quoted as saying.
Meanwhile, Loke rubbished speculations that he would be contesting in Penang during the six state elections.
“I have not considered the matter. If I were to contest in Penang, I would have to change my address. As of now, my address is still in Seremban, Negeri Sembilan,” he added.
Previously, Sinchew Daily had reported that Loke had intentions of running in Penang.
However, Penang DAP chairperson Chow Kon Yeow also refuted the rumours.
New faces
In a related development, Loke said DAP will be fielding several new faces in the Negeri Sembilan state polls.
He also said the names and the full list of candidates to be fielded in the state elections are expected to be finalised in the next few weeks.
“In any election, there needs to be a change and new faces. The same goes for this state election, there will definitely be new faces…
“So not all incumbents will be nominated again, but it doesn’t mean the incumbents weren’t good.
“Several factors have to be taken into account, to make way for new faces.”
In addition, Loke also said he will be campaigning for Umno deputy president Mohamad Hasan in Rantau and DAP also welcomes the latter’s presence at constituencies which will be contested by DAP members.
The Negeri Sembilan’s state assembly was officially dissolved today, paving the way for the state polls to be held.
In the GE14, Harapan secured 20 seats comprising DAP (11), PKR (six) and Amanah (three), while BN won 16 seats, 15 of which by Umno and one, MIC. - Mkini
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