Johor DAP chief Pang to face MCA's Chua in Labis

Pang Hok Liong. -The Star filepic

LABIS: DAP has picked former Johor DAP chairman Pang Hok Liong to contest the Labis parliamentary seat.

His candidacy was announced by DAP Johor chairman Liew Ching Tong at its office here on Wednesday (April 18) afternoon.

Liew also announced that Johor DAP deputy chief Dr S. Ramakrishnan will contest the Bekok state seat.

Pang's candidacy laid to rest weeks of speculations and contention surrounding DAP's choice of candidate to go against incumbent Datuk Chua Tee Yong.

The Labis seat had become a bone of contention after several DAP leaders refused to be relocated here, including Gobind Singh Deo, Teo Nie Ching and Dr Boo Cheng Hau.

Pang, a 61-year-old lawyer, said he was ready to contest in Labis as he was a local boy.

Dr Ramakrishnan lost in Labis in 2013 to Chua by 353 votes.

Meanwhile, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang, who was present at the announcement, said the choice of Pang for Labis was the "best approach" to secure a win.

However, Lim refused to reveal Dr Boo's fate after the latter's refusal to contest the Labis seat.