GE13: DAP’s incumbent Seremban MP Fernandez to go independent

(The Star) – Incumbent DAP Seremban MP John Fernandez will likely defend his seat as an independent in this general election.

Fernandez, a lawyer, had before this said he would not be defending the seat which he won by defeating Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Yu Chok Tow by a 3,948 vote majority in 2008.

He had also won in Rasah (which was then a state seat) in the 1974 general election on a DAP ticket. Another lawyer, S.Karthigesan, who had represented several Human Rights Party members for being involved in an illegal organisation in 2011, would also be standing as an independent in Nilai.

The DAP won the Nilai seat in 2008 when its candidate Yap Yew Weng defeated Barisan’s Datuk Peter Lai with a 1,894 vote majority.

Both are scheduled to hold a press conference later today.

The DAP has yet to officially announce its candidates for both seats. However, Barisan will be represented by Datuk Dr Yeow Chai Tiam in Seremban and Gan Chee Biow in Nilai.