Incumbent Johor Mentri Besar Abdul Ghani Othman may be relieved after receiving news that MCA Gelang Patah chief Jason Teoh has ended his silent protest and pledged his support for BN in the general election.

NONE In his first public appearance since being dropped from the BN candidates list, Teoh urged all the Gelang Patah voters, in particular the Chinese community to support Ghani in order to continue enjoying the service of BN.

Speaking to a crowd of about 500 on his campaign truck in front of MCA Gelang Patah’s office last night, an emotional Teoh said he decided to continue to support BN as this is the only way to serve the people.

"I did consider to quit politics. Some also proposed that I contest as an independent. But there is only one road for me to continue my journey.

“With this, I still have a platform to serve you all. Though I felt it was an injustice and bitter, but who else has more reasons to be blamed (for being dropped) other than I?"

He then urged the Chinese to vote for Abdul Ghani, saying one vote for the latter also means a vote for him.

MCA support needed to prop up Ghani

Teoh was initially set to become MCA’s candidate for Gelang Patah before it was given to Umno in order to face the challenge from DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang.

azlan His support is however crucial to Ghani as he and Umno are facing difficulties in garnering Chinese support.

As a four-term MB, Ghani is expected to get the majority of the Malay votes, in particular from the civil servants who live in Nusajaya, one of the state seat under Gelang Patah.

The other state seat is Skudai. Gelang Patah comprises of 54 percent Chinese, 34 percent Malay and about 12 percent Indian voters.

To win the “battle of the titans”, Ghani would need to ensure a minimum level of Chinese support to boost the expected Malay support for BN.

Teoh’s initial refusal to close ranks with the MCA leadership, and possible sabotage of BN by contesting as an independent, would split Ghani's Chinese votes and affect his winning chances.

Strong grassroots may hurt DAP

Teoh, who has earned fame and credit for his service and hard work as a local councillor, enjoys a strong network with the local community and is believed to hold a number of the Chinese votes.

NONE He also reportedly has a volunteer campaign team of about 600 people and 10 full-time aides.

It is believed that this will be a strong campaign force for Ghani.

If Teoh succeeds in pulling the Chinese votes to Ghani, the Johor BN chairperson with his strong Malay support in hand, may upset Kit Siang.

Over the last two days, Kit Siang was not in Gelang Patah as he was busy at the party headquarters at Kuala Lumpur solving some candidates issues as well as the Registrar of Society’s move on DAP yesterday.

It would be interesting to know how the political veteran’s move is to turn this Gelang Patah situation back to his favour.

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