HULU SELANGOR: DAP will not force any parties or individuals to assist the unity government's election machinery in the Kuala Kubu Baharu state seat by-election.
DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke Siew Fook said the party, which is one of the component parties under the unity government, will instead intensify its efforts to strengthen the Selangor state government's position to allow its candidate, Pang Sock Tao, to win the by-election.
"The by-election is not about the party; it is about the people. Hence, I believe that winning support from voters is the most important goal, not (allegiance to) any particular party.
"We greatly appreciate those (parties) that come and help us, (but) we do not force those that do not want to help. It is their right if they are not willing to help, and I do not need to argue with them.
"The most important thing is about the voters because they will make the decision and choose their representatives," he told reporters after the nomination process for the by-election here today.
Loke, who is also the Transports Minister, said this when asked if the party wishes to console Barisan Nasional's component party, MCA.
MCA had previously said the party will not lend any help for the unity government's candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.
Loke also said what was more important was that the candidate fielded by the unity government could represent the administration's voices and ensure they could win to allow a stable and strong government for the constituency's progress and development.
He added that PH received tremendous support and commitment from BN to retain the state seat. He also said that Umno women have continuously been involved in ground operations to assist PH in the election campaign.
"Even the BN chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today attended (the nomination process) to provide moral support.
"(And) I see a quite high commitment (of machinery) from BN, especially from the Umno president and Umno Women which has been mobilised.
"Coupled with our PH machinery, we believe that we can run the (election) campaign well."
The Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election will see a four-corner fight between PH's Pang Sock Tao, Perikatan Nasional's (PN) Khairul Azhari Saut, Hafizah Zainudin of Parti Rakyat Malaysia and independent candidate Nyau Ke Xin.
The by-election, which will be held on May 11, was triggered by the passing of its three-term assemblywoman Lee Kee Hiong from DAP.