The Penang MCA is not confirming nor denying a Chinese newspaper report that the party will not contest the May 25 Bukit Gelugor parliamentary by-election.

Penang MCA chairperson Chew Mei Fun said today the report was "a speculation" and that she would not make any announcement on the by-election today.

"There is also speculation that Chew Mei Fun will be candidate," she said to laughter from those attending her press conference.

"I am not commenting on issues regarding by-election. Be patient and wait for announcement," she added.

Pressed on whether she was then denying the news report, Chew said said at MCA’s Bukit Gelugor service centre: "Please don't put any words in my mouth.

"Until we make an official announcement, media reports are mere speculation."

'By-election involves strategy'

Asked why the delay in announcing the party's candidate, Chew replied, "The Bukit Gelugor by-election involves strategy.

"I am not going to answer any question regarding the by-election. Sorry."

She reiterated that she did not say MCA would not contest the seat that because vacant on April 17 with the tragic death of Karpal Singh, who had represented the constituency since 2004.

Chew had been questioned by reporters about a "special report" in the Sin Chew Daily today that MCA has decided not to contest Bukit Gelugor because of Karpal's strong objection to the implementation of hudud.

The report claimed MCA had decided so as it wanted to show respect to Karpal, popularly known as the "Tiger of Jelutong".

The report, which did not quote anybody, went on to say that Umno had earlier decided not to contest in Bukit Gelugor, and that the party also did not encourage MCA to contest the Kajang state seat by-election, which was retained by PKR.

However, the report quoted MCA president Liow Tiong Lai as denying such talk.

Nomination day for the Bukit Gelugor by-election is Monday.

Three parties have so far expressed their intention to contest - DAP, which will announce its candidate tomorrow, Parti Cinta Malaysia that will put up its vice-president Huan Cheng Guan and an independent candidate from Jelutong, Yacoob Mohd Noor.

Meanwhile, Penang BN chief Teng Chang Yeow ( left ) said the coalition was still waiting for MCA's decision whether it will contest before the BN election machinery is moved to Bukit Gelugor.

Teng, who is also Penang Gerakan chief, said the state BN met last week and appointed Chew as the Bukit Gelugor by-election coordinator.

He met up with her today and they had a lot of discussions.

Penang Gerakan backs Mah for Teluk Intan

“However, we need to wait for MCA to decide and BN top leadership to issue the appointment letter for the candidate," Teng told a press conference at the Penang Gerakan headquarters on Jalan Macalister.

On the impending Teluk Intan by-election, which will be held on May 31, Teng said Penang Gerakan fully supported its president Mah Siew Kong as the candidate, since he has been a two-term MP for the constituency.

"We will send a special team (of about 80 people) to camp in Teluk Intan  for the 12-days campaign which starts from nomination day, May 19," he added.

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