KUALA LUMPUR – Seremban MP Anthony Loke is unfazed by the possibility of Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin contesting in his constituency in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).
Responding to media queries about the potential clash, Loke said it was a democratic right for anyone to contest in any constituency.
However, the DAP secretary-general does not underestimate his prospective opponent due to his high profile, saying that Khairy is a political figure with calibre.
“If it is true that he (Khairy) is contesting in Seremban, then the contest would be very intense and will turn the seat into a ‘heated’ one in GE15,” Loke said on Facebook.
“However, as a DAP leader, I am not afraid of facing any possibility and challenges in my political struggle.”
Yesterday, Khairy announced that he will not defend his Rembau parliamentary seat in GE15 after he was directed to give way by the deputy president of his party Umno.
Khairy has held the seat for three terms since winning it in the 2008 general election.
The minister said that he was ordered to not contest the seat by Barisan Nasional deputy chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who is also Umno deputy president.
Mohamad reportedly wants to contest in Rembau to achieve a presence in Parliament and is likely to also defend the Rantau state assembly seat he has held since 2004.
Regardless, Loke said that he was ready to defend Seremban in GE15, despite having to face the likes of Khairy or anyone who was fielded by his political opponents.
“Let the people and voters of the Seremban constituency evaluate and decide whether I will continue to be qualified to represent their interests and voices at the Dewan Rakyat.” – The Vibes, September 5, 2022