Umno challenges DAP to field Malay candidates in Kelantan

(Bernama) — The Kelantan Umno Liaison Committee today issued a challenge to the DAP to field Malay candidates in the state in the next general election.

Its deputy chairman, Datuk Dr Awang Adek Hussin, said the people of Kelantan should be allowed to decide between the DAP and the Barisan Nasional (BN).

The power behind the opposition pact is the DAP and not PAS or Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), he told reporters after closing a unity programme in Kampung Kubang Telaga, here.

Eighty-four distance-learning undergraduates participated in the programme, organised by the Faculty of Islamic Studies of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).

Dr Awang Adek was asked to comment on the reported intention of the DAP to field Malay candidates in Malay-majority areas in the 13th general election.

Selangor PAS deputy commissioner Khalid Abdul Samad had confirmed that the DAP proposal was discussed in a meeting with PAS and PKR.

Awang Adek, who is deputy finance minister, said the DAP intention proves Umno’s claim that the most influential party in the opposition pact is the DAP.

The intention to field Malay candidates is proof that the DAP wants to dominate all states and administer the country by ignoring its partners in the pact, he claimed.

“We welcome them and are ready to face them at any time,” he said.