SHAH ALAM - Incumbent Klang MP Charles Santiago has slammed DAP over the damage control the party is attempting to do in handling the backlash over its decision to disallow him to defend his parliamentary constituency in the coming national poll.
Santiago argued that the narrative of him being already briefed that the previous 14th General Election (GE14) will be his last electoral bout in Klang was a made up afterthought to mitigate the ongoing huge blowback.
"Please do not tarnish my integrity to manage backlash. Let me make this clear: DAP never informed me that 2018 would be the last time I would be fielded as a candidate.
"There were no such arrangements and no indication about calls to replace me (or who made these calls) in 2013 or 2018, as suggested by Selangor DAP Chairman, Gobind Singh Deo,” Santiago refuted.
In a statement issued today, Charles added that DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke was also involved in coming up with the objectionable narrative as well.
"I am glad that both Loke and Gobind have recognised the magnanimity in which I have accepted the party’s decision but it’s unfortunate that they are resorting to such responses given the massive public criticism.
"And even if the extent of the backlash freaks them out, it’s unbecoming of both Loke and Gobind to hint that they were doing me a favour by allowing me to continue as a lawmaker given that I do not hold positions in the party.” wrote Santiago.
DAP has fielded Kota Kemuning assemblyman V Ganabatirau to contest in the Klang parliamentary seat in the coming November 19, 15th General Election.