1. The DAP leadership said I was not dropped but was instead offered to stand in Cameron Highlands.
2. This is inaccurate.
3. On October 16th, I was told that the Pahang DAP state committee has decided to remove me from Bentong. I will also not be contesting any seats in Pahang. I am to disappear from Pahang completely.
4. There was a strong adverse reaction from the ground especially among Bentong party members upon hearing this news.
5. They find the party’s decision illogical. The team has worked hard over the years to serve the people.
6. Bentong is a large constituency. It is two and a half times bigger than Singapore with four state constituencies (Ketari, Bilut, sabai and Pelangai) under it.
7. Over the past few years, the people of Bentong have faced so many challenges especially the MCO, big Karak fire and the devastating flood. We have been hitting the ground running to help the people regardless of race, religion and political backgrounds the best we could. I believe many locals can attest to this.
8. We are confident the people will give us the mandate again.
9. I then made it crystal clear to the party that the Bentong members and I will be standing firm in Bentong.
10. The party then offered me the Cameron Highlands seat.
11. I immediately declined the offer.
12. Anthony Loke asked to meet on 23rd October. This is the first time I meet a top leader of the party on this matter.
13. Though I have informed the party of my decision on Cameron Highlands multiple times, he asked me to reconsider. I told him I will convey what we have discussed in the meeting with the Bentong grassroot members and get back to him within 24 hours.
14. I do not not belong to any faction within the party. I am not interested and have never played party politics.
15. Politics must be about the people. It should not be a game of rhetorics, manipulations or hollow strategies just to win elections.
16. It is time to plant the seeds to build a platform for real people’s power in politics, and I hope it starts from Bentong.
WONG TACK