Kuala lumpur: DAP Secretary-General Anthony Loke announced today that the decision by MCA to forgo contesting in three of its traditional seats in the upcoming 16th Negeri Sembilan State Election is expected to bolster DAP's chances of retaining those constituencies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the seats of Lobak, Mambau, and Lukut have been left open by MCA to allow Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidates to contest. Loke expressed his gratitude towards MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong for this move, stating that it indirectly aids DAP. He emphasized that even in the event of a loss, DAP is prepared to fight, but MCA's decision is a significant gesture. Loke made these statements during a walkabout with six Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidates at the Seremban Central Market.
Loke, who also chairs Negeri Sembilan DAP, suggested that MCA's strategy is part of a larger political maneuver to help Barisan Nasional (BN) secure straightforward contests in various constituencies through coordination with PN. He alleged that MCA abandoned its traditional seats as part of an understanding where PN would not contest certain BN-held areas, aiming to prevent vote-splitting and encourage unified voter support.
Of the seven seats MCA is contesting, only Chennah will witness a direct contest between DAP and MCA. Loke, also the Seremban Member of Parliament and Transport Minister, expressed confidence in retaining voter support across different ethnic groups, citing his service record in Chennah since 2013. He will face Negeri Sembilan MCA Youth chief Siow Kong Choon of BN in a straight contest in Chennah.
Loke is optimistic that DAP will secure all 11 state seats it is contesting, thereby contributing to PH's efforts to form the Negeri Sembilan state government. He urged voters to support PH candidates, portraying PH as the preferred choice over BN and PN.
The Negeri Sembilan State Legislative Assembly dissolved on June 5, with the Election Commission setting August 1 as polling day and early voting on July 28. Voter eligibility totals 889,490, comprising ordinary voters, military personnel and their spouses, and police personnel scheduled for early voting.