Wong Tack to take on Young Syefura in Bentong as indie candidate

In a dramatic turn of events, Wong Tack, who was dropped by the DAP from contesting in the Bentong seat, said he will contest as an independent candidate in the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).

Wong, who has evidently put DAP and Pakatan Harapan behind him, said in a presser today that he will be contesting under the ‘people’s ticket’.

“DAP has decided not to field me in the Bentong parliamentary seat in GE15. I was told I would not fit into their grand strategy for the general election,” said the anti-Lynas activist.

“Over the past four years, I have diligently carried out my duties as a representative for the people of Bentong. Bentong is my hometown, I remain committed to continuing to serve my people.

“With that, I hereby announce that I, Wong Tack, will contest under the ‘people’s ticket’.”

Earlier today, DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke announced that Young Syefura will contest against former MCA president Liow Tiong Lai, who defeated Wong in 2013 but lost to him in 2018.

Speaking at a press conference after announcing the candidacy, Loke said he believed Young Syefura is a winnable candidate in Bentong.

“The decision is made not just based on observations, but there is also a survey, and we believe she is a winnable candidate there.

"If elected, she will become DAP’s first Malay female MP and I put my trust in her, having served the area for five years. She also has a good track record among voters in the Ketari constituency.

“That is one of the factors that can help the party to win the seat,” said Loke.

On Wong’s omission, Loke said the party had offered for the former to be fielded at Cameron Highlands, but he did not agree to it.

‘No interest in political games’

Recalling the understanding between DAP and his Himpunan Hijau movement back in 2013, Wong said he was nominated by the movement to contest in the national polls that year.

He said the then party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng agreed that his candidacy would give a positive impact on Pakatan Rakyat to win the Bentong seat.

“Today, DAP decided to end this understanding. I wish to make clear that people decide their own paths and destiny. The choice is ours.

“We also have no interest in political games, particularly party politics. The people are not pawns in a game of chess.

“We are here to build a platform for real people’s power, to plant the seed of hope not just in Bentong, but for the nation,” Wong said.

For the record, Wong has been protesting Lynas’ activities in Malaysia since 2011.

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