The media focus on former Astro AEC broadcast journalist Yunna Tan as potential DAP candidate for the forthcoming Balakong by-election is unfair, Selangor DAP secretary Ean Yong Hian Wah said today.

According to Ean Yong, others are being considered as potential candidates, but Tan had become the focus of attention because of her prominence.

“Because of media focus, the party grassroots may have mistakenly believed that the party’s central leadership is considering only Tan.

“So, I think (the media) should be fairer. This is also not good for Tan and unfair to her,” Ean Yong told reporters when met at the late Balakong assemblyperson Eddie Ng’s memorial service In Cheras last night.

However, Ean Yong (photo) said he is not at liberty to disclose the names of the other potential candidates being considered, because he is not a part of the selection committee.

Nomination day for the Balakong by-election falls on Aug 18, while polling day will be on Sept 8.

The by-election was triggered by Ng’s death on July 20 in an accident at KM11.7 of the Grand Saga Highway.

Tan was reported to be among those shortlisted to be the DAP candidate in the by-election, along with several incumbent municipal councillors such as Kajang councillor Khoo Kim Han.

However, Tan’s potential candidacy has reportedly spurred discontent in the party ranks, including accusations of bringing in 'outsiders' to contest as opposed to local candidates, and allegations that Tan is not a party member.

Clause XXX(10)(c) of the DAP constitution stipulates that no member who has joined the party for less than two years may contest in any election, including those for the office of state assemblyperson. This is unless the candidacy is approved by the party’s central executive committee (CEC).

Asked about this, Ean Yong said he is unsure of Tan’s membership status but believes that she has already submitted her membership application. He said he is unsure when the membership forms were submitted.

Meanwhile, Selangor DAP treasurer Ng Sze Han told reporters at the memorial service that while it is true that Clause XXX(10)(c) bars members who have joined the party for less than two years from contesting in elections, Tan would not be the first person to be granted special dispensation by the CEC if her candidacy is confirmed.