DAP and BN agree that the Bukit Gelugor by-election will not be an easy ride as replacing the late Karpal Singh is tough.
GEORGE TOWN: Both the DAP and Barisan Nasional (BN) have declared that the forthcoming Bukit Gelugor parliamentary by-election in Penang as a “tough battleground”, albeit for different reasons.
Penang BN chief Teng Chang Yeow admitted that the coalition faced an uphill task to wrest Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat from DAP, the state ruling party, due to high anti-BN sentiments in the state.
He reasoned that local anti-BN sentiments had not watered down even nearly a year after the 13th general election on May 5, 2013.
He said Penangites were still critical against BN on certain pressing national issues, which he did not elaborate.
“The sentiment against BN in Penang has yet to shift since the last election.
“There are some pressing national issues that have yet to produce convincing arguments to be accepted by the people.
“Bukit Gelugor undeniably is going to be an uphill battle,” said Teng, when contacted.
Meanwhile DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s reasoning of a difficult fight was that the party may not be able to repeat the huge majority of 41,778 votes won by the late Karpal Singh against BN’s candidate Teh Beng Yeam of MCA in the 2013 general election.
“After all who can match the irreplaceable Karpal?
“For this reason, nothing should be taken for granted and there must be a concerted effort to bring out
the vote in Bukit Gelugor,” Lim said in a statement.
Candidature poser
DAP’s highest decision-making body, the central executive committee (CEC) would meet on April 28 to discuss the election preparations, including naming the candidate.
The party candidate will be discussed by the CEC and decided by the DAP candidature committee comprising Lim, his father Lim Kit Siang and party acting chairman Tan Kok Wai.
He also requested all party leaders to refrain from speaking to the press on the by-election to avoid distortion by the mainstream media.
Until then, Lim said he and Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow would be party spokespersons for the by-election.
Since it was elevated from a state to a federal seat during an electoral boundary delineation exercise prior to the 2004 general election, Bukit Gelugor has been the DAP’s stronghold.
The seat fell vacant following Karpal’s death on April 17 in an accident near Kampar, Perak.
Karpal won the seat in 2004, 2008 and 2013 general elections with an increased majority each time.
Speculation suggests that Karpal’s third son, Ramkarpal Singh Deo or his only daughter Sangeet Kaur would be picked.
Although candidature of Ramkarpal or Sangeet would give credential to critics’ argument that DAP was fast growing into a family political firm, insiders claimed that the party leadership, the central executive committee (CEC) would not be perturbed by it.
“DAP leaders consider the party is now in an unassailable position due to overwhelming Chinese community support,” argued a former DAP MP.
Under BN electoral formula, MCA will contest Bukit Gelugor.
According to Teng, who is state Gerakan chief, MCA has not finalised its candidate for the by-election.
Polling for the by-election is on May 25 while nomination is on May 12, giving contestants a 14-day campaign period.
In 2013, Bukit Gelugor voters comprised 61,112 or 74.49 percent Chinese voters, 14.48 percent or 11,880 Malays, 8,660 or 10.56 percent Indians and 0.48 per cent or 390 others.
Penang BN chief Teng Chang Yeow admitted that the coalition faced an uphill task to wrest Bukit Gelugor parliamentary seat from DAP, the state ruling party, due to high anti-BN sentiments in the state.
He reasoned that local anti-BN sentiments had not watered down even nearly a year after the 13th general election on May 5, 2013.
He said Penangites were still critical against BN on certain pressing national issues, which he did not elaborate.
“The sentiment against BN in Penang has yet to shift since the last election.
“There are some pressing national issues that have yet to produce convincing arguments to be accepted by the people.
“Bukit Gelugor undeniably is going to be an uphill battle,” said Teng, when contacted.
Meanwhile DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng’s reasoning of a difficult fight was that the party may not be able to repeat the huge majority of 41,778 votes won by the late Karpal Singh against BN’s candidate Teh Beng Yeam of MCA in the 2013 general election.
“After all who can match the irreplaceable Karpal?
“For this reason, nothing should be taken for granted and there must be a concerted effort to bring out
Candidature poser
DAP’s highest decision-making body, the central executive committee (CEC) would meet on April 28 to discuss the election preparations, including naming the candidate.
The party candidate will be discussed by the CEC and decided by the DAP candidature committee comprising Lim, his father Lim Kit Siang and party acting chairman Tan Kok Wai.
He also requested all party leaders to refrain from speaking to the press on the by-election to avoid distortion by the mainstream media.
Until then, Lim said he and Penang DAP chairman Chow Kon Yeow would be party spokespersons for the by-election.
Since it was elevated from a state to a federal seat during an electoral boundary delineation exercise prior to the 2004 general election, Bukit Gelugor has been the DAP’s stronghold.
The seat fell vacant following Karpal’s death on April 17 in an accident near Kampar, Perak.
Karpal won the seat in 2004, 2008 and 2013 general elections with an increased majority each time.
Speculation suggests that Karpal’s third son, Ramkarpal Singh Deo or his only daughter Sangeet Kaur would be picked.
Although candidature of Ramkarpal or Sangeet would give credential to critics’ argument that DAP was fast growing into a family political firm, insiders claimed that the party leadership, the central executive committee (CEC) would not be perturbed by it.
“DAP leaders consider the party is now in an unassailable position due to overwhelming Chinese community support,” argued a former DAP MP.
Under BN electoral formula, MCA will contest Bukit Gelugor.
According to Teng, who is state Gerakan chief, MCA has not finalised its candidate for the by-election.
Polling for the by-election is on May 25 while nomination is on May 12, giving contestants a 14-day campaign period.
In 2013, Bukit Gelugor voters comprised 61,112 or 74.49 percent Chinese voters, 14.48 percent or 11,880 Malays, 8,660 or 10.56 percent Indians and 0.48 per cent or 390 others.
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