[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 26 Aug 1999
Time: 00:10:20
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Malacca BN unfazed by Guan Eng's release
MALACCA: Former Kota Melaka MP Lim Guan Eng's release from prison will not dampen the state Barisan Nasional's spirit to win back opposition-held seats.
State Barisan chairman Datuk Seri Abu Zahar Isnin said yesterday the MCA had mobilised its election machinery.
"We have been working hard to convince voters to elect Barisan candidates, but we cannot do much if the voters still want to maintain the opposition in Kota Melaka," he said.
He said Lim's jail sentence must not be regarded as the community's problem but as an individual case.
"I will personally help MCA win the opposition seats in Kota Melaka," he said after a state exco meeting at Seri Negri yesterday.
Abu Zahar also called on the people to evaluate Barisan's performance and not be swayed by sentiments.
Kota Melaka parliamentary seat has been in the hands of the opposition since 1969, when Guan Eng's father, Kit Siang, won it. Since then, the state seats--Bandar Hilir, Durian Daun and Tengkera--have also been DAP fortresses.
In Penang, state DAP secretary Chow Kon Yeow said Guan Eng's release was welcomed by the party.
"We can now look forward to him playing an influential political role," said Chow, adding that Guan Eng would hold a ceramah and dinner on Sept 13 and 14 for party supporters.
Aliran president P. Ramakhrisnan said although Guan Eng was jailed, his stature and integrity had remained intact.