PUTRAJAYA: Improving socioeconomic conditions and ensuring the future of voters of Kuala Kubu Baharu will be the unity government’s focus for the by-election, says Fahmi Fadzil (pic).
The government spokesman said several issues were raised by locals, while pledges made by its late assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong would be made a priority.
He said it was important for voters to see what had been achieved in the constituency so far.
“We have received feedback and will see how best the future of the people there can be improved. This will be our focus for the by-election,” he told a press conference here yesterday.
Fahmi, who is also PKR information director, said there was no issue for other parties to participate in the by-election.
“We practise democracy and they are free to get involved in elections,” he said when asked on the possibility of Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and Muda taking part in the by-election.
To another question, Fahmi said component parties in the unity government, including those from the Barisan Nasional coalition, had given their commitment to back the candidate representing the government.
“The indication given was that going into this by-election, the unity government’s candidate would be fully backed by component parties,” he said.
Asked what would happen if certain component parties did not support the candidate, Fahmi said what was important was to remain focused and work hard to win the by-election.
On whether the tension between MCA and DAP would see the former not helping out in Kuala Kubu Baharu, Fahmi acknowledged there were differences in opinion.
“Democracy is dynamic, we allow differences in views. We do not practise dictatorship.
“But for the greater good, we will try to work together. The important thing is to ensure the unity government candidate wins,” he said.
MCA and MIC have made a stand not to campaign in the by-election if the unity government candidate is not from Barisan.
The Kuala Kubu Baharu seat became vacant on March 21 following Lee’s death. She was 58.
Nomination day is on Saturday while polling is fixed for May 11.