Malaysiakini brings you the latest elections news and snippets from around the web - who is contesting and who’s not; who’s chosen and who’s dropped. Find out here.

Bernama
Khairy: Don’t sulk

Umno Youth deputy chief Khairy Jamaluddin told Umno leaders in Kelantan today not to sulk if they have been dropped as candidates for the March 8 general election.

He said, they should soldier on to help the Barisan Nasional (BN) recapture the state from PAS instead.

New Straits Times

PAS breaks own taboo to field first non-Muslim candidate

Twenty-nine year old law graduate Kumutha Rahman today became the first non-Muslim candidate to be fielded by PAS.

She will be contesting the Tiram state seat. PAS is fielding her under the PKR symbol based on the electoral pact the two parties have entered into.

A member of the one-month old Unity Bureau under the Johor non-Muslim PAS Supporters Club, Kumutha may be oblivious to the fact that she had broken the conservative Islamic party's 61-year-old tradition of only fielding Muslims as candidates.

“I joined the club because I see that PAS is not bent on racialism. To me all races be they Malays, Chinese or Indians are all the same.”

Making the announcement was Johor PAS commissioner Mahfodz Mohamed, returning to contest for the Bukit Serampang state seat, said the move signified PAS’ tolerance towards other races.

"We want everyone to know that PAS is not only restricted to Muslims. Even non-Muslims are welcomed in PAS,” he said. “That is why we have the PAS Supporters Club. Kumutha's candidacy is a proof of that ideal."

PAS will contest 34 state seats and nine parliamentary seats in Johor.

Pahang DAP chairman revokes resignation

Pahang DAP chairperson Lip Tuck Chee withdrew his resignation after being persuaded by party secretary-general Lim Guan Eng.

Lip - who resigned yesterday because the party's national leadership had rejected his recommendation for the Triang state seat election - changed his mind after two calls from Lim.

BN can win Permatang Pauh

Permatang Pauh election coordinator Hishammuddin Hussein said Barisan Nasional can capture PKR’s stronghold Permatang Pauh if Umno members worked together.

"As of today, I dare to say that we can win but on one condition - Umno leaders in Permatang Pauh must be together,” the Umno Youth chief said.

Pematang Pauh is PKR’s sole parliament seat and is currently held by the party’s president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

Utusan Malaysia

chua zhi yongFormer Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek’s son, Chua Tee Yong, 31, will be contesting in his father’s seat in Labis this elections.

Soi Lek had resigned from politics after a sex scandal earlier this year.

Meanwhile, MCA president Ong Ka Ting will be contesting in Kulai. He is currently the incumbent for Tanjung Piai.

Suara Keadilan Online

PKR Youth leaders to contest in Terengganu

PKR Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar will be contesting in the Dungun parliamentary seat in Terrenganu. His deputy Fariz Musa will contest in Kemaman parliamentary seat.

This was announced by PAS election director Mustafa Ali last night.

Blogs

DAP: Shanty Chong for Sandakan

DAP leader Lim Kit Siang said the party’s candidate for the Sandakan parliamentary seat isf former sessions court judge in Tawau and registrar of Borneo High Court Shanty Chong Chui Lin, 57.

“I have no doubt that if she is elected DAP MP for Sandakan, Shanty Chong will bring to the Malaysian Parliament a powerful voice for justice and freedom, as well as for women, Sabah and Malaysia,” he blogged.

Mukhriz confirmed to contest in Jerlun

Its just been announced that Umno Youth Exco in-charge of International Affairs Mukhriz Mahathir would be given the Jerlun parliamentary constituency to contest as the BN candidate.

This announcement was made by Kedah Menteri Besar Mahadzir Khalid a moment ago. Mahadzir is also the Kedah BN Liaison Chief.

This quashed amidst strong speculations that Mukhriz would be contesting in Langkawi parliamentary seat. Abu Bakar Taib, the incumbent MP will contest for his fouth term in the island resort.