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Media Statement
by Lau Weng San  
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(Petaling Jaya, Friday) : Following various news reports on the PAS boycott of the Batu Talam by-election I have been directed by DAP Secretary-General Sdr Lim Guan Eng to stress these points.

1. Sdr Lim had from the outset emphasized that DAP had no interest in contesting the seat. Neither Pahang DAP or any party leader has communicated with Sdr Lim to express their intentions that DAP should contest the seat. As the CEC and Sdr Lim has to approve the candidates, DAP’s position on not contesting in the by-election remains unchanged.

2. DAP has not played any part in influencing the decision made by PAS to boycott the Batu Talam by-election. No discussions has been held with PAS since there is no formal co-operation between DAP and PAS, after DAP withdrew from the Barisan Alternatif in 2001 because of PAS Islamic state agenda.

3. DAP regrets any attempt to insinuate that DAP is working in coalition with PAS as a result of good relations between DAP and former deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. This is wrong. In fact PAS has continued its practice of personally attacking DAP leaders and PAS Negeri Sembilan is more hostile towards DAP Negeri Sembilan than BN. Recently PAS leader and Central Executive Committee member Dr Dzulkifli Ahmad even said that, “If PAS has a friend like Guan Eng, we do not need a political adversary like the BN and Umno.” Despite such extreme and irrational provocation from PAS, DAP leaders have refrained from responding in kind.

(12/1/2007)