KUALA LUMPUR: Barisan Nasional will soon resolve issue of parliamentary seats that were loaned by MCA to Umno in the previous general election.
MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai told the New Straits Times Press that the matter was still being discussed by the coalition’s top leadership.
He said it was expected to be settled before the upcoming 14th General Election (GE14).
“I expect it to be settled soon, within days.
“It will not stretch to weeks as the polls are around the corner,” he said, declining to elaborate.
“Whatever discussions involving seat allocations and swapping are all done within the BN spirit and at the coalition level; it is not in an open forum,” he said.
Liow was referring to the three parliamentary seats — Wangsa Maju, Kuantan and Gelang Patah — that were loaned to Umno in the 13th General Election.
He said there were no other seats on loan to other parties.
Liow added that besides Gerakan, the party might swap seats with MyPPP.
It is understood that Wangsa Maju was loaned from MCA but Umno had earlier given way for the party to contest there.
In Johor Baru , the Gelang Patah Umno division said MCA division chief Datuk Jason Teoh Sew Hock was the most suitable candidate for the parliamentary seat.
“If you ask Umno Gelang Patah, we will choose Jason as the BN candidate to contest here.
“He is a capable leader and has been working here for the people for a long time.
“I am confident with Jason’s leadership, BN can recapture Gelang Patah in GE14,” said Gelang Patah Umno division chief Mohammad Khairi A. Malik.
He said this after presenting compensation to 480 fishermen and 78 cockle breeders in Gelang Patah.
“Gelang Patah voters have wisely chosen their candidates.
“I’m confident they will vote for the candidates who are serving them.”
Additional reporting by Mohd Fahmi Mohd Yusof