A new name has cropped up in Keadilan's list of potential candidates as the party struggles to find a representative to contest the upcoming Indera Kayangan by-election in Perlis.

The party leadership is actively wooing 51-year-old Dr Por Choo Chor, a local doctor and former MCA leader, but it is still unclear whether he will accept Keadilan's invitation to contest the state seat.

It is learnt that MCA leaders are trying to convince Por not to contest against their own candidate, 58-year-old Oui Ah Lan, a former school headmistress and Perlis MCA Wanita chief.

Should Keadilan's efforts to win over Por fail, the party has lined up 26-year-old lawyer, Jason Ong Kahn Lee, as a potential replacement.

A party source said today that Ong, an Australian graduate who works for a private legal firm in Penang, has been actively involved in Keadilan.

"Ong is set and ready to go. The only thing he is waiting for is the endorsement of the supreme council leaders," said the high-ranking source who requested anonymity.

Other nominees on the list proposed by the Barisan Alternatif presidential council are Keadilan Penang deputy chief Cheah Kah Peng, local teacher Khor Wee Chong and Ko Chu Liang, who contested the seat in the last general election.

When contacted, Cheah said he has declined the candidacy, while sources say it is unlikely that the supreme council will endorse either Khor or Ko.

Keadilan would prefer a candidate who is not only a native of Perlis but also a person who is confident and experienced and as such Por would be the ideal candidate.

If Por decides to contest for Keadilan, he is expected to give MCA a tough fight.

'Sabotage fears'

But Keadilan leaders, who will decide the party's candidate only tomorrow, are running out of time.

However, Barisan Alternatif leaders rejected claims that the opposition front was having problems looking for a candidate.

They said they are being tight-lipped about their choice for fear of being 'sabotaged by the other side' which they said may launch personal attacks, harass the candidate or start a smear campaign to spoil his chances of winning the election.

The by-election in the state capital of Kangar is set for Jan 19, after a nine-day campaign period beginning on Jan 10 which is nomination day.

Chinese and Malay voters comprise 47.9 percent and 46.4 percent respectively with Indians forming 5.3 percent and other races, 0.4 percent.

The by-election was called following the death of incumbent Khor Tiang Lee on Dec 19. Khor was the Perlis MCA chief.