KAJANG BN Kajang by-election candidate Chew Mei Fun today justified cabinet minister Joseph Kurup’s urging for Chinese voters to “vote for their own kind” not as racist but as a suggestion for  a multiracial Selangor opposition.

“I am not sure what he said but his portfolio is unity so I think what he meant is to have a multiracial state legislative assembly.

“Today (the opposition bench) only has Umno representatives and no voices from other races. To build a muhibbah society you need cooperation from all,” she said.

She was asked if Kurup’s suggestion for the mostly Chinese attendees at a campaign event last weekend was racist.

Chew added that problems may arise if policy is not formulated with input from all communities to reflect multiracial Malaysia.

On a separate matter, she said Selangor executive councillor Teng Chang Khim was “insulting” her when he offered her a post as local government councillor if she withdraws from the race.

She said she does not have to withdraw as BN did not abuse democracy and willfully vacate the seat to trigger a by-election like PKR.

“Please tell Teng that if he walks his talk, he should stop campaigning for PKR...Why should I withdraw, I am giving the voters an option,” she said.

Teng yesterday said if Chew really wanted to take care of Kajang’s drains, as she has said many times in the campaign, she can withdraw from the race and he will appoint her a local councillor.

Teng is the exco member in charge of local government.