PORT KLANG: DAP will assist in campaigning for Umno's candidate in the upcoming Mahkota by-election, says party secretary-general Anthony Loke.
He said following the Central Executive Committee (CEC) meeting, DAP had decided to fully back the unity government's efforts to retain the Mahkota state seat.
"We will mobilise our machinery, and we have assigned Kluang member of Parliament, Wong Shu Qi, as the main coordinator on behalf of DAP to assist in this campaign.
"We have our service centre there, our branches, and full-time staff in the area, all of whom will be mobilised to support the unity government candidate," he added, adding that DAP had always been a consistent presence on the ground in the constituency.
Loke said that the party did not require any special operations for the by-election but would ramp up its campaign efforts in support of the candidate.
He said Malaysia's recent positive economic indicators were a boon for the unity government.
"Positive economic indicators such as good GDP growth, increased trade value, and a stabilising currency will help the unity government in the upcoming by-election.
"Johor is also seeing significant economic development with new investments and large infrastructure projects, including the Gemas to Johor Bahru double-tracking project, which will soon pass through Kluang. This will undoubtedly bring spillover benefits to the area," he said at a press conference after launching the National-level Port and Haulier Industry Training and Professionalism Programme, here.
Yesterday, Umno president Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi confirmed that Umno would field a candidate for the by-election, representing Barisan Nasional (BN).
"Discussions were held on the candidate selection, and the final decision will be made before Sept 14," he said.
The Mahkota seat became vacant following the passing of its incumbent, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, on Aug 2.
The Election Commission has set the nomination date for Sept 14, with early voting on Sept 24 and polling day on Sept 28.