Don't tarnish my image: Santiago hits back at Loke's 'last-term arrangement' claim

Charles Santiago (left) and Anthony Loke.

PETALING JAYA: The DAP drama over the non-fielding of Charles Santiago in the 15th General Election has taken a new twist with the Klang MP denying that he was told that 2018 would be his last term.

"Please don't tarnish my image to manage backlash as I was never informed that 2018 would be my last term," said Santiago on Facebook on Friday (Oct 28).

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"There were no such arrangements and no indication about calls to replace me in 2013 or 2018 as suggested by DAP chairman Gobind Singh Deo.

"These narratives are an afterthought to mitigate the huge backlash that we are seeing, even before the official candidate list was announced.

ALSO READ: DAP drops three-term Klang MP Santiago

Santiago said he was glad that both Gobind and DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke had recognised the magnanimity with which he accepted the party's decision, but added that it was unfortunate that they were resorting to such responses given the massive public criticism.

"Even if the extent of backlash freaks them out, it's unbecoming of both Loke and Gobind to hint that they were doing me a favour by allowing me to continue as a lawmaker given that I do not hold positions in the party.

"I am determined to ensure a Pakatan Harapan victory in this general election and would like to see DAP do well at the polls.

ALSO READ: 'Why change Charles Santiago?' ask groups to DAP

Santiago said however that he had to respond to the claims as this was about his integrity. He added that he would not be commenting further about his candidacy and appealed to the people of Klang to vote for Pakatan.

"I entered politics for the sole purpose of advancing the agenda of the people and giving voice to those who can't speak for themselves and DAP was the platform I chose and has been the best platform for me.