GE14 | DAP contesting in Ayer Hitam was never part of its original intent, which was why the party, during seat negotiations with its Pakatan Harapan partners, had indicated to Amanah its preparedness to loan the constituency even though it was allocated to DAP.

Asked about the party's chances there in the early stages, DAP sources conceded that it was a "very safe" seat for MCA's incumbent Wee Ka Siong.

But it was MCA's panicked reaction to speculation that DAP was considering a heavyweight against Wee, that prompted DAP's Liew Chin Tong to convince the party leadership, which was reluctant, to allow him to contest in Ayer Hitam...