KLANG: "Our stance is simple: We will assist if needed, but if we are not needed, we will not go."
This was the immediate response from DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke when asked about Umno veteran Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah's suggestion for DAP leaders to stay away from campaigning in Nenggiri, citing the constituency's "100 percent Malay" demographic.
Tengku Razaleigh, the former Gua Musang member of parliament, claimed DAP speeches often centered on Chinese community interests.
Loke, who is also transport minister, said DAP was committed to the unity government spirit.
He cited DAP's involvement in the Pelangai by-election, where they supported the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate, even helping manage polling centres in a new Chinese village area, leading to a BN victory.
"In the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election, we also received cooperation from BN, specifically from Umno Selangor, and we extend our thanks to them. Therefore, for any by-elections, if we are needed, we will participate; if we are not needed, we will not," he said after inspecting the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3) at the Pasar Jawa station here today.
The Umno Veterans Club has also requested DAP refrain from participating in the Nenggiri by-election campaign.
Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi acknowledged the veteran member's views, noting their merit given Tengku Razaleigh's experience and understanding of local sentiments as the Umno Gua Musang division head and Nenggiri by-election director.
BN secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir supported Ku Li's suggestion, seeing it as a strategy to secure a BN victory for the unity government candidate.
Zambry said the matter would be discussed at the leadership level.
The Nenggiri by-election has its nomination day on Aug 3 and polling on Aug 17.
The seat became vacant following Azizi Abu Naim's cessation of Bersatu membership after pledging support for Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.