MALACCA, May 19 — DAP’s action of fielding a Malay candidate in the Teluk Intan by-election has been described by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as window-dressing to deceive the Malays.

He said it was not impossible, however, for many Malays to support the DAP candidate as history had proven that the Malays were easily duped by such a move by DAP.

“The action is mere window-dressing and no high hopes (placed on the candidate). If she wins, it’s victory for them (DAP),” he said when met by reporters here today.

Dr Mahathir earlier spoke at the ‘Chancellor’s Talk’ programme at Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka (UTeM). It was also attended by Melaka Yang Dipertua Negeri Tun Mohd Khalil Yaakob, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron and UTeM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Ahmad Yusoff Hassan.

At the nomination process for the Teluk Intan parliamentary seat by-election today, DAP named Dyana Sofya Mohd Daud, 27, as its candidate while Gerakan president Datuk Mah Siew Keong will be the Barisan Nasional candidate.

Dr Mahathir also expressed his disappointment that the candidate fielded by DAP comes from a family of long-time Umno supporters.

“It’s not a bother if the candidate comes from a pro-opposition family as from small, she would have been taught to hate Umno.

“As parents, Umno members should tell their children about Umno, its history and what it has done (for country and people), otherwise when they grow up, they will do as they please,” he said. — Bernama