Despite narrowly losing the contest for the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat in the 2013 general election, lawyer M Manogaran has been steadfast in serving the locals, said Pahang DAP chief Leong Ngah Ngah.

"He never gave up on Cameron Highlands," said Leong when asked to comment on Cameron Highlands DAP branch chief J Apalasamy's complaint about the party's plans to field "parachute" candidates.

In 2013, then MIC president G Palanivel had edged out Manogaran by just 462 votes in a five-way contest.

The votes for the other three candidates combined came to three times that of Palanivel's majority.

Leong said although Manogaran does not reside in Cameron Highlands, he is an active party activist in the area.

However, Manogaran's candidacy has yet to be confirmed by the party headquarters, he added.

"What I know is that DAP Cameron Highlands has not proposed any candidate and anybody can make a proposal to the headquarters.

"Then, the final decision can be made," said Leong, who is the Tanah Rata assemblyperson, a seat within the Cameron Highlands parliamentary constituency.

In a statement yesterday, Apalasamy claimed that neither Manogaran nor Leong (photo) were familiar to the locals. He said it would be better to have a local candidate.

Apalasamy was DAP's candidate for Cameron Highlands in 2004 and 2008. He was unsuccessful in both attempts.

Meanwhile, Manogaran told Malaysiakini that Apalasamy's statement was not reflective of the views of DAP Cameron Highlands.

"Although the opinion of a few disgruntled members should be respected, it should not be said to represent DAP's view in Cameron Highlands," Manogaran said.

Cameron Highlands is expected to see a four-way battle among BN, DAP, PAS and PSM in the coming 14th general election.