KUALA KUBU BAHARU: Another two DAP Malay branches were established for the Hulu Selangor constituency, bringing the total to seven.
These are the Jalan Trompet and Jalan Anggerik 3 branches, with 100 new members in total, including 50 military veterans.
DAP vice-chairman Teresa Kok in her speech reiterated that the establishment of the Malay branches was not merely a by-election gimmick.
"Instead, our efforts to establish Malay DAP branches began during the Selangor state election and gained momentum during this Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election," she said.
Kok added that before the establishment of new branches, certain requirements must be met, including having 50 members and conducting dialogue sessions and political workshops before they can register their respective branch.
"Therefore, we hope that many more will join and become part of the party."
Present at the event were DAP veteran Tan Sri Lim Kit Siang, Tanjong member of parliament and Deputy Finance Minister Lim Hui Ying; Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin; Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng; Sandakan MP Vivian Wong; and Selangor State Assembly Speaker and former Banting assemblyman Lau Weng San.
Previously, DAP received membership forms from the Malay community in the constituency for its five Malay DAP branches located in Jalan Ara, Jalan Bunga Kertas, Jalan Kemboja, Jalan Seroja, and Taman Bunga Raya 2.
Kit Siang, in his speech, said he was hopeful that more veterans will join the party.
"I hope that veteran branches will be established in every state as well... this is the current challenge (for the new members comprised of veterans)."
Kit Siang said when DAP was first established in 1966, it welcomed all to join the party.
"We welcome all races, ethnicities, and religions, as long as they are Malaysian.
"We might come from different backgrounds but we share one dream for a better country for all."
Meanwhile, Jalan Trompet branch chairman Abdul Latib Abdullah, 64, stated that armed forces veterans were attracted to join DAP because the party helps everyone, regardless of race and religion.
"We can see DAP's struggle in fighting for the rights of the people, while other parties only boast without implementation.
"We also witnessed (DAP secretary-general) Anthony Loke fighting for the rights of the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT).
"We are not changing our religion by joining DAP, but we joined DAP as a party that sincerely fights for the people," said Latib, who served in the army from 1981 to 2003.
Jalan Anggerik 3 branch chairman Mohamad Hasif Miqdam Sukatno, 25, said he was attracted to DAP because it provides opportunities to everyone.
"With this, my focus is now on helping the community, regardless of race and religion. We should be inclusive when it comes to representing our area.
"As part of the government, we must assist the unity government in helping the people."