GE15: Ramasamy opts out of Batu Kawan candidacy

The Star:

GE15: Ramasamy opts out of Batu Kawan candidacy

Friday, 21 Oct 2022 5:19 PM MYT


GEORGE TOWN: Just a day after DAP’s Kasthuriraani Patto said she would not defend the Batu Kawan parliamentary seat in GE15, the man touted to contest there has also ruled himself out of contention.

Given a choice, Penang Deputy Chief Minister II Dr P. Ramasamy said he would prefer to defend his Prai state seat instead of going for a parliamentary seat.


ALSO READ: Unfriendly drama unfolding in Batu Kawan constituency

“My preference is always for Prai.

“But of course, I’ll listen to the party leadership if it decides otherwise,” he said when contacted on Friday (Oct 21).

Earlier, the prevailing narrative was that two-term MP Kasthuriraani would be dropped.

On Thursday (Oct 20), she denied this, telling a press conference: “This is not the case. I am stepping down on my own accord.”

Kasthuriraani, 43, was first fielded in Batu Kawan in 2013 and retained the seat with a larger majority in 2018.

ALSO READ: GE15: Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri will not defend her seat

She is known for championing women’s rights, frequently asking hard questions in Parliament.

Ramasamy is no stranger to the seat either, having performed a giant-killing act by defeating former chief minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon there in 2008.

P. David Marshel, who is seen as Ramasamy’s man, is now said to be in line for the seat.

Marshel has been a Seberang Prai councillor for eight terms. He is a familiar face in mainland Penang, resolving many issues while helping the marginalised.