Huan for Bukit Gelugor?

GEORGE TOWN: Parti Cinta Malaysia (PCM) vice-president Huan Cheng Guan may contest the Bukit Gelugor by-election next month because he has aspirations to be a Karpal Singh.

He plans to contest not merely to return to Parliament, but to emulate the late Karpal’s political style of speaking without fear or favour, and prejudice.

“I’m almost there with a decision. I may stand as a candidate in the Bukit Gelugor by-election,” said Huan.

He said the Karpal’s untimely demise had left a void in Parliament, thus the nation now needs a courageous and experienced MP to speak up on issues plaguing Penang and the nation.

“My decision is not based on any self-aggrandisement. I strongly believe there is a pressing need to fill that space in Parliament so that our country can move forward,” said Huan.

The Penang-born Huan, formerly a Gerakan vice-president, contested and lost in Batu Kawan in last year’s 13th General Election and in the Bukit Tambun state duel in 2008.

Despite the loss, Huan said he had continued to serve the people of Penang and had voiced out the truth to dispel lies on many issues affecting the people through his Centre for Political Awareness (CPAM).
‘I will speak like Karpal’
huan cheng guanThe Bukit Gelugor federal seat fell vacant following the death of Karpal Singh on April 17 in a car accident near Kampar, Perak. Polling is on May 25 while nomination is on May 12.

Karpal had won by a majority of 41,778 votes against Barisan Nasional candidate Teh Beng Yeam in GE13.

According to the 2013 Election Commission data, Bukit Gelugor has 61,112 or 74.49% Chinese voters, 11,880 or 14.48 % Malays, 8,660 or 10.56% Indians and 390 or 0.48% others.

If he decides to contest, Huan said he will unveil his election manifesto after nomination day.

“There will be those who may deride my decision but judge me by my record of accomplishments. My heart is to serve all Malaysians regardless of creed, colour or class.

“If indeed I stand, all I ask is a chance to represent Bukit Gelugor constituents. I will maintain the late Karpal’s tradition of relentlessly seeking justice, bringing development to people where it matters, listening to constituents and speaking up for them,” said Huan.

Yesterday a new party, Penang Front Party (PFP) announced that it would field a candidate in the by-election. The DAP is the hot favourite to retain the constituency.

Athi Shankar, FMT