TELUK INTAN Twenty-seven- year old lawyer and UiTM graduate Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud was today unveiled as DAP's candidate for the Teluk Intan parliamentary by-election.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng announced the decision at the DAP by-election operations centre in Bandar Baru Teluk Intan today, saying the decision was made as proof of DAP's ethnic diversity as a party.

In her speech, Dyana, who has served as DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang's political secretary for the past year, spoke about breaking racial and religious barriers, and finding the perfect formula for a Malaysian "teh tarik, which is loved by all."

She explained all Malaysians love teh tarik regardless of race or religion and similarly, Malaysians need to find a common identity that would appeal as much across the board as the tea drink does.

At a press conference later, Dyana said she is unfazed by the rounds of attempts to tarnish her reputation that has already begun among some bloggers.

"They thought since I am a woman, I will quit politics (after the attacks).

"But sorry, I am here to stay ," said Dyana, who had fake pictures of her in a bikini published in some blogs even before today's announcement.

During the press conference, there was a mad scramble by press photographers to take shoots of the spunky contestant.

Dyana joined DAP in mid-2011 and hails from a family of Umno supporters.

Also at the event today is her mother, Yammy Samat.

Yammy, who is still an Umno member, pledged to campaign for her daughter.

Asked if she was worried as it may be seen as campaigning for BN's rival, Yammy said it was up to her party to decide her fate.

"I will not quit Umno unless I am sacked and it is not that I am betraying my party. As a mother - I am not forced - but it is my duty to support my daughter," she said.

Yammy ( right ) also denied she is disillusioned with Umno, stating that she was the first woman to become an Umno division secretary and remains as a party member in Ipoh.

"My era has passed, this is the era of the young generation and they should be given priority...

"In every family there must be an opposition, there are no families that are completely on the same page," she said.

Yammy added that despite DAP being a Chinese-majority party, it was still willing to give up its seat to her daughter, who is Malay.

Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua will serve as the DAP's election director for the by-election.

Born to an Umno family, but now a DAP rising star