DAP downplays rumour of Malay candidate for Kuala Kubu Baharu polls

DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook said the party would be funding a RM100,000-a-year scholarship for law students from underprivileged backgrounds.

PETALING JAYA: DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook has downplayed speculation that the party will field a Malay candidate in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

“We have yet to decide on the candidate. We have a list of shortlisted candidates but for now anyone can be considered,” he told the media after a memorial for the late DAP stalwart and prominent lawyer Karpal Singh at Jaya One here.

Earlier, FMT reported that Hulu Selangor municipal councillor Saripah Bakar had emerged as the likely candidate to represent Pakatan Harapan on May 11.

A source close to the matter told FMT that Saripah was more popular among the grassroots than other names floated for candidacy.

Kuala Kubu Baharu is a mixed seat, with Malays comprising 50% of the electorate, followed by Chinese (30%) and Indians (18%).

The state seat has been represented by an ethnic Chinese assemblyman since 2004, with the incumbent for the last three terms being Lee Kee Hiong of DAP, who recently passed away from cancer.

Meanwhile, Loke said, in honour of the late former Jelutong MP, the party would be launching a Karpal Singh scholarship for aspiring lawyers from underprivileged backgrounds.

“As a way to remember his contribution and legacy, DAP will set up the Karpal Singh scholarship with the initial grant of RM100,000 a year for law students from needy backgrounds.

“We will work out the mechanism later, including the selection process and how we manage the fund,” he said.

He added that the scholarship would be the best way to honour Karpal’s legacy, while inspiring more people to take up law and to join public service.

He said there would be no conditions attached to those receiving the scholarship, adding that Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan had been appointed to chair the scholarship committee.