KKB candidate yet to be decided, anyone can run, says Loke

DAP has not yet decided on its candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election on May 11, said party secretary-general Anthony Loke.

Several candidates have been shortlisted, he told reporters at the memorial for Karpal Singh’s 10th death anniversary last night.

“Not yet. We have not decided yet,” he said.

The KKB state seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Lee Kee Hiong on March 21.

Lee, 58, who had been the KKB assemblyperson since 2013, had retained the seat for DAP under the Pakatan Harapan banner in the state election last year.

Loke (above) said the choice of candidate is still being discussed, stating “anyone can be considered” when asked about rumours of DAP fielding a Malay candidate.

Yesterday, Free Malaysia Today quoted a DAP source as saying that the party is likely to field a Malay candidate.

Hulu Selangor Municipal Council member Saripah Bakar is a favourite due to her popularity among the grassroots, they added.

“The party is expected to field a Malay candidate as of now due to the high percentage of Malay voters,” they said.

Saripah, in her response to the news portal, said to “wait for a decision and announcement from the party.”

The state constituency comprises 46 percent Malay voters, followed by Chinese (30.7 percent), Indians (18 percent), and others (five percent). -  FMT