As expected, Johor DAP chairperson Liew Chin Tong has been declared Pakatan Harapan's Ayer Hitam candidate for the 14th general election, setting up a showdown with MCA deputy president Wee Ka Siong in the constituency.

DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng joined hands with Liew in making the announcement at the Ayer Hitam Harapan election centre, in conjunction with DAP's 52nd anniversary celebrations.

In his speech, Lim said DAP is prepared to make sacrifices to ensure a Harapan victory in constituencies like Ayer Hitam, which he said is a key step towards winning Johor, and then Putrajaya.

Read more: On Johor campaign trail, Harapan tries to shed DAP’s ‘anti-Malay’ image

Hence, he said DAP had made the difficult decision to send its strongest candidate to battle Wee.

“If they have a minister, we have prepared a minister-grade candidate.

“Today on behalf of DAP, we announce DAP’s first candidate for the 14th general election: Johor DAP chairperson Liew Chin Tong, who will contest in Ayer Hitam,” he said.

As many as 1,000 Harapan leaders and supporters were present at the event today.

Among those in attendance were Harapan chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Johor Harapan chairperson Muhyiddin Yassin, DAP national chairperson Tan Kok Wai, DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang, Amanah president Mohamad Sabu and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Taking to the stage later, Mahathir praised Liew as being brave for taking on Ayer Hitam.

“We believe Liew will give Ayer Hitam the best service. InsyaAllah, Harapan will take over Johor,” he added.

'Still an uphill battle'

Speaking to reporters later, Liew admitted that Ayer Hitam will be an uphill battle for Harapan, but insisted that the opposition coalition still has a fighting chance.

“Of course it will be very, very difficult. I would say Harapan has a chance to win another ten seats in Johor if we win Ayer Hitam, because the ten seats are BN marginal seats.

When asked who will contest in his current seat in Kluang however, Liew said this will be announced in due course.

Liew also said he believes voters in his Kluang constituency would continue to stand by him.

“I will still live in Kluang. It’s just a 20-minute drive away from this particular centre. I believe those who want change in Malaysia will want to see the attempt to win Ayer Hitam…

“I sincerely appeal to the people of Kluang to support me in this attempt to breakthrough and win an almost impossible seat. From my walkabout (around Kluang), I feel they are supportive,” he said.