MALACCA Forty-eight hours after filing his papers as an Independent candidate in the Kota Laksamana state seat in Malacca, DAP’s Sim Tong Him has declared his withdrawal from the contest.

NONE Sim ( right ), who was with DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang at a press conference in the party’s Malacca headquarters today, admitted he was wrong to run as an independent against the candidate chosen by the party, Lai Kuen Ban.

He also apologised for his action, as required by the party, which had threatened action against him and incumbent Teratai representative Jenice Lee, who similarly went ‘rogue’ on nomination day.

Sim, who is defending the Kota Melaka parliamentary seat on a DAP ticket, had earlier told Malaysiakini that he is confident of winning both seats in the May 5 general election and is willing to be kicked out of the party for doing what he thinks is right.

He had said that he was running as an Independent in order to salvage the situation because he feels its chosen candidate lacks sufficient support to win the seat.

Meets with party supremo Kit Siang

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh, secretary-general Lim Guan Eng and party parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang had ordered Sim and Lee to stand down and apologise to the party for their actions.

NONE It is not known if Lee (left) has also been contacted by the party.

She has kept mum on the matter and seems intent on continuing with her campaign.

The Election Commission said today that candidates are no longer allowed to withdraw from the contest once the nominations are accepted.

Even if they declare that they have withdrawn from contesting, their names will appear on the ballot papers, which are being printed.

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