[UPDATED] GE15: MCA contesting Batu instead of MIC, says Wee

KUALA LUMPUR – MCA is set to contest the Batu parliamentary seat instead of MIC, despite Barisan Nasional chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s announcement last night.

Party president Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong told a press conference at MCA headquarters here that following discussions with Zahid, the BN component party would contest Batu after it had given the Padang Serai parliamentary seat to MIC.

“After meeting with the BN chairman, it’s confirmed that Batu is indeed MCA’s,” Wee said.

During the unveiling of BN’s candidates for the coming general election (GE15) last night, Zahid had initially announced that MIC’s A. Kohilan Pillay would be standing in Batu.

However, Wee said MCA’s candidate for the Batu seat is Yew Teong Lock.

Wee’s declaration could possibly be a contributing factor towards MIC’s absence during BN’s candidates’ announcement last night – a possible falling-out regarding seat distribution.

Separately, Wee also announced MCA will field 17 new faces as candidates for the general election this time, with the party set to contest in 44 seats, including Batu.

He also announced Datuk Chew Yin Keen as the candidate for the Bandar Tun Razak seat, where Pakatan Harapan has fielded Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Wee said the Bandar Tun Razak seat was “given” to MCA as a swap for Wangsa Maju, where Umno will contest this GE15.

For state seats, MCA will field 26 candidates – 17 of them in Perak, seven in Pahang, and two in Perlis. – The Vibes November 2, 2022.