GE15: Santiago urges support for successor Ganabatirau

PETALING JAYA: After serving the Klang parliamentary constituency for 15 years, Charles Santiago (pic) is calling for voters to support Kota Kemuning assemblyman V. Ganabatirau as Pakatan Harapan’s candidate there for the 15th General Election (GE15).

Santiago also penned a heartwarming message to the people of Klang, saying that he was deeply grateful for the support throughout his 15 years there, and apologised for his shortcomings.

"Thank you Klang. It’s been an incredible 15 years. I have enjoyed your trust and friendship. I am deeply grateful for your support and I hope that I have done good by it,” said Santiago.

“I apologise if I have fallen short but I want you to know I have tried," he added in a series of posts on his Twitter account on Wednesday (Oct 26) night.

Santiago said that he believes Ganabatirau also shares the same dream, which is for the country to see a fair government in place.

He added that Ganabatirau needs the people’s support.

“My heartfelt good wishes go out to V. Ganabatirau as he campaigns for your support. So, let’s stand united. Let’s do this together. Thank you,” he said.

On Wednesday night, DAP secretary general Anthony Loke announced that two-term Kota Kemuning assemblyman V. Ganabatirau would be replacing Santiago as its candidate for the Klang parliamentary seat.

This came despite a campaign by various groups, including voters there, for him to be retained.

Loke also announced that incumbent Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo would be contesting the Damansara parliamentary seat, taking over from Tony Pua.

Replacing Gobind in Puchong is incumbent Bakri MP Yeo Bee Yin, who was also a former Damansara Utama assemblyman.

Meanwhile Syahredzan Johan, who is political secretary to DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang, will be contesting the Bangi parliamentary seat.

Syahredzan is replacing incumbent MP Ong Kian Ming, who had earlier announced his decision not to contest in GE15.

Nomination Day for GE15 is on Nov 5 with the polls set for Nov 19.