DAP urged to prioritise female candidate for Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election

SHAH ALAM - DAP faces the imperative of nominating a female candidate for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election to uphold the legacy of the late incumbent, Lee Kee Hiong.

Bentong MP Young Syefura Othman in her capacity as Deputy Women's Chief, urged the DAP's top leadership to prioritise the consideration of a female candidate as the Pakatan Harapan (PH) contender in the upcoming by-election.

Young Syefura, also known as Rara, stressed the significance of this step in elevating the representation of women in political decision-making at the state level.

"Moreover, this State Assembly is very special because the late Kee Hiong successfully defended the Kuala Kubu Baharu State Assembly seat for three consecutive terms.

"So, we hope that the DAP candidate contesting in the by-election can continue the legacy left by the late incumbent.

"We do not just want a female candidate; we want her to lead DAP and do a better job in the future," she said.

These statements arose when DAP was questioned about its considerations for potential candidates for the PH ticket in the forthcoming Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

Kee Hiong, aged 58, who had represented Kuala Kubu Baharu State Assembly since 2013, passed away on March 21 after battling cancer for several years.

The Election Commission has scheduled May 11 as the polling day for the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, with April 27 designated as the nomination day and May 7 as the early voting day.

Meanwhile, Young Syefura anticipated that issues surrounding religion, royalty, and race (3R) would remain focal points and primary campaign material for the Opposition, particularly in appealing to Malay voters during the upcoming by-election.

However, she expressed confidence in the rationality and discernment of voters in Kuala Kubu Baharu, who she believes will make informed assessments, considering various factors including the exemplary service rendered by the late Kee Hiong as their representative for almost three terms.

When asked about the DAP Women's wing's involvement in the selection process, Young Syefura noted that discussions on potential candidates had yet to take place.