AYER KUNING POLLS: MALAY DAP LEADERS READY TO CAMPAIGN FOR BN CANDIDATE

KUALA LUMPUR, April 7 (Bernama) — Malay leaders in DAP are prepared to join their party colleagues to campaign for the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate in the upcoming Ayer Kuning state by-election.

DAP national vice-chairman Syahredzan Johan said this is in line with deputy chairman Nga Kor Ming’s statement that the party will deploy its election machinery to support the candidate representing the MADANI Government.

"Depending on the needs, Young Syefura Othman and I (among the Malay leaders in DAP) are ready to help BN’s campaign in the by-election,” he said at a press conference today on the role and aspirations of Malay leaders in DAP following the party's recent Central Executive Committee (CEC) elections.

Also present was Young Syefura, who was elected as DAP assistant publicity secretary at the CEC elections on March 16.

The Election Commission has set April 26 for polling and April 12 for nomination for the Ayer Kuning by-election.

The Ayer Kuning by-election was called following the death of its BN incumbent, Ishsam Shahruddin, 59, who collapsed from a heart attack while playing in a football match in Penang on Feb 22.

Meanwhile, on the Malay DAP leaders’ post-CEC election direction, Syahredzan said they will continue efforts to engage the Malay community and strengthen support across various ethnic and religious groups.

“In recent years, more youths, including young Malays, have shown interest in DAP, with some joining as party members.

“Efforts to encourage new membership, including from the Malay community, will continue as long as they uphold the party’s principles and struggle,” he said.

According to the Bangi MP, Malays currently make up around 10 per cent of DAP’s total membership.

However, he emphasised that increasing the number of Malay party members is not the main priority. Instead, the focus is on garnering support and changing public perceptions of DAP.

Young Syefura said being elected into the CEC is a significant opportunity for Malay leaders to prove their capabilities and support the party’s aspirations in progressive policy-making and public welfare.

“One of our key aspirations is to ensure that 30 per cent of candidates in the 16th General Election are women. We (DAP youth and women’s wings) are working towards that,” said the Bentong MP.

-- BERNAMA