Can Gerakan president Mah triumph over young lawyer Dyana?
Alyaa Alhadjri, The Ant Daily
True to its name, the Teluk Intan constituency deserves to be represented by a gem, said DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng in reference to the word “intan” which means gem in Malay.
Lim said the DAP had therefore introduced its own “gem” — political greenhorn Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud – to contest against Barisan Nasional’s Datuk Mah Siew Keong in the Teluk Intan by-election.
And like a diamond in the rough, the 27-year-old political secretary to DAP stalwart Lim Kit Siang is expected to shine with guidance and support from senior Pakatan Rakyat leaders.
Dyana’s official maiden appearance in Teluk Intan on Sunday night (May 18), at a ceramah and launch of Pakatan’s campaign machinery, was accompanied by Kit Siang, Guan Eng and at least 10 other Pakatan leaders.
In their speeches, the leaders called upon voters in Teluk Intan to continue supporting Dyana as Pakatan’s candidate who would continue their quest for change.
Dressed in a lavender-colour baju kurung and draping a loose scarf on her head, Dyana certainly succeeded in capturing the attention of at least 500 supporters who came to see her.
The crowd, comprising largely of Malay men, greeted her appearance on stage with hoots, wolf-whistles and admiration of her good looks.
“My name is Dyana Sofya. I am a native of Perak, born in Ipoh. I cannot seem to be so happy to stand here because we are all still grieving the loss of the former MP Seah Long Peng (who succumbed to cancer).
“I hope I can carry on his spirit and continue serving the people of Teluk Intan,” Dyana said.
Dyana, who is a lawyer by profession, also stressed that her nomination would send a clear message of DAP’s stand – anti-racism, uplifting status of women and providing opportunities for young leaders.
“I am willing to stick my neck out and join politics. If am I just seeking popularity and glamour, I would become an artiste,” she said in response to her critics from BN, including Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.
While Dyana has put on a confident front in dealing with the sudden public attention, defending herself against attempts to discredit her image, it is evident that Pakatan will not let their guards down to protect her.
Not only was Dyana vilified for allegedly posing in a bikini, which turned out to be a photograph of a Filipino actress, she was also criticised for wearing the selendang in a purported bid to win support of Malay voters in Teluk Intan.
Dyana had on May 18 conducted interviews with an online portal and an English daily but theantdaily learnt that she was “guided” through the process by a senior MP who at times offered answers to the questions asked.
Her candidacy was first announced on May 17 and it is learnt that she was chosen over DAP’s own “Superman” Hew Kuan Yau, said to be not in favour of the powerful cousins – Perak DAP adviser Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham and Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming.
Pakatan’s commitment towards ensuring Dyana’s victory was also evident today (May 19) as their leaders accompanied her, along with more than 1,000 supporters, in a procession towards the nomination centre at SMK Seri Perak.
