KKB by-election: MCA staying out won't affect unity govt's machinery, says Fahmi

PUTRAJAYA: The decision by MCA not to “hit the ground” campaigning in the Kuala Kubu Baharu (KKB) by-election will not affect the operations of the Unity Government's machinery in facing the election, says PKR Information Chief Fahmi Fadzil

He said this is because the primary focus of the Unity Government's component parties is to highlight the credibility of its candidate, Pang Sock Tao, in her efforts to develop the state constituency.

"The core is the relationship between PH (Pakatan Harapan) and BN (Barisan Nasional). BN also said they are assisting...on the ground. The most important thing is that we stay focused. We have a good candidate. She can communicate well and has a lot of experience (as a press secretary) working in different ministries.

"We want to focus on what this very good candidate, who is a trained electrical engineer, can do to bring progress to Kuala Kubu Baharu,” he said after attending the Madani Muhibbah Aidilfitri 1445H/2024 event hosted by the Communication Ministry and Ministry of Housing and Local Government here on Thursday (April 25).

Fahmi, who is also the Communications Minister and the Unity Government spokesman, said this when asked to comment on MCA's decision not to campaign for the Unity Government in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election if a BN candidate is not contesting in the election.

On Wednesday (April 24), Pang, who is also the Press Secretary of the Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Meng, was announced as the candidate representing the Unity Government in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election is being held following the demise of its incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong, from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), on March 21 due to cancer.

Nomination is this Saturday (April 27), and polling is on May 11.

In last year's state election, the late Lee Kee Hiong successfully defended the Kuala Kubu Baharu seat by defeating Teoh Kien Hong (Gerakan), Siva Prakash Ramasamy (Muda), and Chang Boon Lai (Parti Rakyat Malaysia) with a majority of 4,119 votes. – Bernama