updated version

Former headmistress Oui Ah Lan will be Barisan Nasional's candidate for the Indera Kayangan by-election in Perlis scheduled to be held two weeks from today.

Oui, 60, who was selected from among four shortlisted hopefuls, is the state MCA Wanita chief and Arau division chairperson.

She was recently reappointed special officer to Perlis Mentri Besar Shahidan Kassim, a post which she would resign if she wins the by-election.

Her candidacy was announced this afternoon by Shahidan in his capacity as the state BN chief. Nomination day for the crucial by-election is next Thursday, while polling day is on Jan 19.

Oui's nomination was long overdue as she was passed over in favour of other MCA candidates in the last two general elections.

The Indera Kayangan by-election, which was called following the death of MCA incumbent Khor Liang Tee, is being held at a time when both government and opposition parties are facing internal difficulties.

MCA is facing a debilitating split between Team A, led by party chief Dr Ling Liong Sik, and Team B, led of his deputy, Lim Ah Lek.

Present today at BN candidacy's announcement were Team A leaders, Ling, party vice-president Ong Ka Ting and Wanita chief Ng Yen Yen.

Former MCA member

Meanwhile, the opposition Barisan Alternatif coalition saw the parting of ways between its Muslim-based PAS and Chinese-based DAP. This resulted in DAP quitting the opposition front last September.

Last week, DAP said it would not be campaigning for the opposition in the by-election.

The BA, whose contestant will come from Keadilan, is expected to announce its candidate on Monday.

Among its shortlisted candidates are local leader and former MCA member Dr Por Choo Chor, Keadilan Penang deputy chief Cheah Kah Peng and Ko Chu Liang, who contested in the last general election and lost by 1,974 votes.

Indera Kayangan, a state seat in the Perlis capital of Kangar, has 7,976 voters, including 752 postal voters.

Chinese and Malay voters comprise 47.9 percent and 46.4 percent of the voters, with Indians forming 5.3 percent, and other races, 0.4 percent.