DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang today declared that an internal survey showed PKR's Zaid Ibrahim is trailing in the Hulu Selangor by-election campaign.

He said Barisan Nasional's P Kamalanathan was leading the race because of Malay and Indian voters and thus Zaid would need to secure at least 85 percent of the Chinese vote to see him through.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Kubu Baru this morning, Lim said PKR managed to secure about 63 percent of the Chinese vote in March 2008 general election.

“I urge not just party workers but also Pakatan Rakyat supporters to help us canvass for votes,” he said.

This is believed to be the highest target ever set by DAP since the party attempted, and succeeded, to convince about 80 percent of the Chinese voters to vote for PAS during the April 2009 Bukit Gantang by-election.

The race is becoming more intense as BN uncharacteristically fielded both Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak and former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad in the campaign in recent days.

Relentless attacks on Zaid and PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s character has also been on the rise, putting the duo on the defensive .

MCA members urged to make sacrifice

Lim then called on the 8,000 MCA members in Hulu Selangor to “sacrificing yourself for the greater good”, while quoting a Chinese proverb, due to eight reasons:

azlan 1. Umno hegemony in BN as shown when only Umno MPs were allowed to debate the motion to censure Anwar in the Dewan Rakyat yesterday.

2. Transport Minister Ong Tee Keat, the former MCA president, had his Bill to increase traffic finds rejected because of the Hulu Selangor by-election.

3. Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin declaring he is “ Malay first ”, yet no MCA leaders objected.

4. No MCA minister stood up against Perkasa’s racial posturing in cabinet.

5. BN federal government refuses to systematically increase the number of Chinese schools.

6. BN federal government refuses to recognise the Unified Examination Certificate issued by Chinese independent schools.

7. ntv7 talkshow producer Joshua Wong resigning in protest of political interference stifling media freedom.