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Info Ministry to counter all Machap issues
Published:  Mar 31, 2007 3:54 PM
Updated: Jan 29, 2008 10:21 AM

Deputy Minister of Information Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today that his ministry will counter all issues, including personal matters of national, state and local leaders, raised by the opposition in the run-up to the Machap by-election.

He said it was the ministry's responsibility to explain the truth to the voters on issues highlighted so that they would not be swayed by the baseless allegations.

"Personal issues and allegations on certain leaders are disheartening. I advise Machap voters not to be taken in by DAP speakers harping on personal and private matters," he told reporters after chairing a meeting on the by-election in Malacca today.

According to a Bernama report, Zahid said he believed the electorate would not be misled by national and local issues as they have been given the right and accurate information.

'Don't change course'

"I hope the voters will not change course as how we change our shirts but instead remain loyal to the BN candidate who can bring development and facilities to the constituents," he added.

Nomination for the by-election is on Tuesday and polling on April 12 in the event of a contest. The seat, previously known as Bukit Sedanan, fell vacant following the death of BN assemblyman Poh Ah Tiam on March 15.

The DAP has named businessman Liou Chen Kuang as its candidate for the Chinese-majority seat, a second chance for Liou despite losing to Poh in the 2004 general election. Poh retained the seat by a 4,562-vote majority, garnering 5,487 votes against Liou's 1,285.

Machap, located about 10km from the Alor Gajah town, is one of the five state seats under the Alor Gajah parliamentary constituency. It was named after the person who opened up the area only known as "Tok Machap".

Machap is also one of the water catchment areas for the Durian Tunggal Dam.

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