27/12: DAP-PKR tussle for seats in Penang far from over

Both the DAP and PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) have continuously declared that they are "cooperating" and "working together" here to ensure straight fights between the Opposition adn the Barisan Nasional (BN) in the next general election.

However, the tussle for seats to contest in the state is far from over.

Last week, Penang PKR state chairman Datuk Zahrain Mohamed Hassim was quoted in vernacular newspapers as saying that DAP had agreed to make way for PKR to contest the Bukit Tambun state and Batu Kawan parliamentary seats.

Today, DAP state secretary Danny Law Heng Kiang called for a press conference and labelled Zahrain's statements as "false claims".

"We have not given PKR any decision on seat allocations for the next general election so his statement is definitely not true," he said, adding that Zahrain's statements have caused unhappiness and anger amongst DAP members.

"Two months ago, all DAP division leaders were instructed not to divulge any information on seat allocations to avoid confusion," he explained.

However, due to Zahrain's recent statements to the vernacular media, "we cannot remain silent anymore".

Law called on Zahrain and other PKR leaders to let the top leaders of both parties decide on the seat allocations instead of jumping the gun themselves.

"There should be mutual understanding between both parties while we wait for the final decision by our leaders," he said.

In September, DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng announced that DAP planned to contest seven parliamentary and 22 state seats in Penang subject to negotiations with PKR.

Immediately after that, Zahrain announced that PKR and PAS intend to contest seven parliamentary seats and 20 state seats while DAP will have to contest for six parliamentary seats and 20 state seats.

PKR and PAS are eyeing Kepala Batas, Tasik Gelugor, Permatang Pauh, Nibong Tebal, Batu Kawan, Balik Pulau and Bayan Baru parliamentary seats.

The state seats they want are Batu Uban, Pantai Jerejak, Batu Maung, Teluk Bahang, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Betong, Bertam, Penaga, Pinang Tunggal, Sungai Dua, Permatang Berangan, Teluk Air Tawar, Seberang Jaya, Penanti, Permatang Pasir, Machang Bubuk, Bukit Tambun, Bukit Tengah, Sungai Bakap and Sungai Acheh.

In previous general elections in 2004, PKR contested five parliamentary and 16 state seats, PAS contested two parliamentary and seven state seats and DAP contested eight parliamentary and 20 state seats which resulted in three corner fights for one parliamentary and three state seats.