PETALING JAYA: The main focus of the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is to gain voter support and is not about any political party, says Anthony Loke.
Responding to the question if the party would persuade other political parties to come out and support the unity government’s candidate, the DAP secretary-general said that the by-election is for the voters.
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“The by-election is not about the parties, the focus is on the people. I believe what is most important is to convince the voters, not any parties.
“Those who turn out and support us, we appreciate them. Those who did not, we cannot force. If they are not willing (to support), it is their right,” said Loke
“I don’t have to argue with them. What is important is the voters because they will be the ones deciding their next state assemblyman, so it is not about the parties,” he added when speaking to reporters at the Hulu Selangor district multipurpose hall and sports complex on Saturday (April 27).
Loke thanked all parties and individuals for supporting unity government candidate Pang Sock Tao.
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He praised the commitment given by Barisan in the by-election to campaign for Pang, especially from Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who turned up on nomination day on early Saturday.
“Wanita Umno had also mobilised their machinery apart from Pakatan Harapan. We are confident that we are able to hold a campaign smoothly,’ he added.
Previously, Barisan component parties were reported not wanting to be involved in any campaigning activities if the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election candidate did not come from the coalition.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is looking at a four-cornered fight between Pang, Perikatan Nasional Khairul Azhari Saut, Hafizah Zainuddin from Parti Rakyat Malaysia and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat fell vacant following the demise of incumbent Lee Kee Hiong from DAP on March 21 due to cancer.
The Election Commission (EC) has set April 27 and May 7 for nominations and early voting respectively.