A coalition of NGOs, which is linked to Pakatan Rakyat, is disappointed with Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud for not coming clean on her mother's ties with Perkasa earlier.

Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (Mipas) secretary-general S Barathidasan said the DAP candidate for the Teluk Intan by-election should have made this clear even before nomination day.

However, he noted that Dyana initially denied that her mother Yammy Samat was linked to the right-wing movement when the issue first cropped up.

"But yesterday, following the emergence of another photograph, she admitted that her mother was a Perkasa member and that she (Dyana) herself helped with the membership registration in 2008," Barathidasan told Malaysiakini .

"This is disappointing. And it will affect the people's trust in her. The issue just serves to divert attention and provides BN with ammunition to attack her," he added.

When asked about the arguments of some, including Yammy, that the Perkasa links and what Dyana did in the past should not be an issue now, Barathidasan agreed.

"Yes. Even (opposition leader) Anwar Ibrahim was from Umno and BN.

"But in Dyana's case, the issue is that she lied, or rather flip-flopped. Is this not the very same quality that we criticise BN politicians for?" he asked.

On the same note, Barathidasan believes that the incident would not affect support for DAP in the May 31 by-election.

"People either vote for the party or the candidate. So the support will be there," he said.

However, he reminded Pakatan Rakyat not to take the support for granted by fielding candidates whose credibility falls under the spotlight.

Dyana, 27, faces BN candidate and Gerakan president Mah Siew Keong, 53, in a straight fight for the parliamentary seat.