KKB polls: Anwar to meet MCA, MIC leaders, says Zahid

PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Ibrahim will be meeting with MCA and MIC party leaders over their decision to sit out the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election campaign, says Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

The Barisan Nasional chairman said he had met with the component party leaders following their decision not to be involved in the campaign if a Barisan candidate was not fielded.

"I have held a meeting with them, and the PM (Anwar) will also hold another meeting," he told reporters on Sunday (April 21) at the Hulu Selangor Umno divison's Hari Raya Aidilfitri open house event in Kuala Kubu Baru.

When asked further about MCA’s stand about not campaigning for the by-election, Ahmad Zahid said it was merely temporary.

"I have met Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong (MCA president), and I completely understand the situation he was in while making the statement.

"I will try to find the best way possible (for the campaigning)," said the Deputy Prime Minister.

Ahmad Zahid said that it was Umno’s principle to respect its 'friends' from the component parties in the unity government who had won the seat previously.

As such, the decision was that they would support any candidate fielded by the unity government.

"In this case, there are no problems, and as for the statements issued, I think it is the position of each party.

"But I hope this matter can be resolved to clarify the existing animosity, and I think we should be in a state of political harmony because, whether at the state or central level, we must resolve these matters.

"This will make it easier for the PM as chairman of the unity government to find common ground," he said, adding that any existing differences will be resolved in the best manner.

MCA and MIC had earlier said they would not campaign in the upcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election if the unity coalition did not field a candidate from Barisan.

On April 4, the Election Commission had set the date for Nomination Day and early voting for the by-election on April 27 and May 7, respectively.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat fell vacant following the death of its incumbent Lee Kee Hiong, 58, on March 21.