The assurance by two local Chinese organisations that they never issued statements in support of the Barisan Nasional candidate in Pahangs Ketari state by-election, was greeted with relief by DAP Bentong branch chief Cheong Koon Kam today.

We are glad to receive clarification that they did not say those things as reported by a news organisation& we definitely welcome their assurance that they do not support any political party, he said at the DAP campaign centre in Kampung Perting, Ketari.

On Tuesday, national news agency Bernama quoted top leaders of Bentong Kwangsi Association and Bentong Chinese Chamber of Commerce as saying that the organisations fully back the BN candidate, Yum Ah Ha.

However, the leaders refuted the report yesterday, claiming they had not spoken to any reporter from Bernama.

The leaders said it is not right for their organisations, comprising members of both the ruling coalition and opposition, to make a stand on the by-election.

They also said the organisations are to remain neutral and to only cultivate strong ties among the members regardless of their political inclination, instead of getting involved in party politics.

When contacted, Bentong Kwangsi Association secretary-general Lo Chiew Chuan said the organisation has demanded for an explanation from the news agency, but it is unlikely to take any legal action.

We just want to set the record straight. It is not our style to take legal action or to make matters worse, he said.

Walkabout with Wan Azizah

Meanwhile, DAP member of Parliament for Cheras, Tan Kok Wai, declined to predict the outcome of the election when asked to assess DAPs chances.

All I can say is that our candidate Choong Siew Onn is in high spirits&he is feeling quite courageous and has received the well wishes of many in the community, added Tan.

It was reported last week that party secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock had said the party had a 45 percent chance of winning the state seat.

With the campaigns picking up speed as polling day approaches on Sunday, Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will be making an appearance in Ketari tomorrow morning and joining a walkabout alongside DAPs top guns.