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KUALA LUMPUR - (AP): Malaysia's weak opposition savoreda moral boost Friday when one of its most prominent figures reversed her decision to pull out of next month's general elections.

Government leaders have said Fong Po Kuan's announcement that she was abandoning politics earlier this week signaled severe rifts in the Democratic Action Party, which won the most number ofparliamentary seats of any opposition group in 2004 elections.

Fong, an outspoken politician who has been nicknamed "hot pepper" for her fiery speeches, told party leaders Friday she had a change of heart and would defend her parliamentary seat in northern Perak state, which she has held since 1999.

Lim Kit Siang, the party's chairman, said Fong was moved by numerous pleas from supporters who feared her move would hurt theopposition's hopes of making major inroads in the March 8 polls.

"A lot of people are now relieved," Lim told The Associated Press. "It will boost us in this crucial time of trying the deny the government a two-thirds majority in Parliament."

Fong, 34, had not clearly explained her earlier decision to quit,but she blamed "internal party events" for making it impossible for her to serve effectively.

Fong's seat was one of 12 that her party won in the 219-member Parliament in the last elections. Another eight seats were held by other opposition groups and independent politicians.

The remaining 199 seats were controlled by Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's National Front coalition, which is expectedto retain power easily but with a lower majority because of public frustration over rising prices, crime and racial and religious tensions.

Comments (19)

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written by Bill Gates, February 22, 2008 16:52:31

The reversed decision by Po Kuan is a very timely one lifting the morale of all Malaysians to deny BN the 2/3 majority. It's been a long wait but a worthy one this round to fight the most corrupted and unfair goverment. Po Kuan has made the greatest sacrifice for the sake of the people in BG, party members, and Malaysian in general.

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written by asguard, February 22, 2008 16:56:41

Well... let us gives undivide support to the opposition... go for kill...dent, deny the devils of cheating, swindler, manipulation people's hope... time to crush them...

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written by hiro, February 22, 2008 17:04:58

I think if Po Kuan's decision to quit in the first place was a strategy, it must be the best political maneuver not seen for a very very long time in Malaysia. Po Kuan had Malaysians on the edge of their seats, lamenting over the chances of the opposition now that DAP has lost its morale over this issue. Now, she serves as the beacon of light for the opposition parties, their united mascot, for giving BN a good run for their money, media and machinery.

Just think of what Po Kuan can do for Malaysians if one day she becomes a cabinet Minister.

Vote against bigotry. Vote against corruption. Vote for change. Vote the opposition.

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written by cruzeiro, February 22, 2008 17:35:42

give em hell Po Kuan!!

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written by lpfee, February 22, 2008 17:55:52

good news!

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written by PRESENT POINT POWER, February 22, 2008 18:17:49

U Turn for Po Kuan. She has rejoined the “Electoral Battle of the Century” – to end BN its unbroken 2/3 majority by defending Batu Gajah - there had never been a second name for the DAP candidature for Batu Gajah
Credit must be to the DAP leadership in convincing her how crucial it is to join back “Electoral Battle of the Century” as every seat counts to deny BN its cocky 2/3 Majority in Parliament. For the latest pics of the Press Conference in Ipoh, go here
http://powerpresent.********.c...quits.html

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written by feleaz, February 22, 2008 18:42:49

Po Kuan is returning to contes. The issue about Karpal Singh contesting in other seat has also been solved. At the same time, UMNO members in Terengganu and Perlis are protesting against their own party and may boycott this coming election. Suddenly everthing seems to go on fine and in favor of oppositions.

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written by feleaz, February 22, 2008 18:51:47

Good news. Let's wait and see if this piece of bad news to BN gets to be published in the newspapers or covered by TV news tonight. I bet BN will keeps full silence on this news.

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written by Taikohtai, February 22, 2008 19:04:28

Po Kuan,

Thank you for listening to the concerned rakyat. Terima Kasih! Kam Siah chaychay! Tor Chay Sai!
If only there are more politicians like you around, Malaysia will definitely go places. Even Singapore will show more respect, right Mr LKY?
Your sacrifice shall not be forgotten. You are a true fighter by making the right decision, sooner or later. Hopefully, others in the party can learn some dignity from this episode.

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written by Ben, February 22, 2008 22:09:11

Yes, congratulation to you for making a brave comeback despite difficult circumstances. The truly epitomises the saying, "service above self". For that I salute you! May you savour victory and slay the dinosaurs of corruption and deceit for Malaysia.

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written by mikewang, February 22, 2008 22:21:04

Good ... free advert for DAP.

So, is UMNO going to allow Mahathir's son to contest in Langkawi ?

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written by Uncorruptible, February 22, 2008 22:22:00

Trust me to get this news a little late, like always, on this borrowed broadband. But its the best news we have heard of this elections so far ! Let's hope there is more great news to come. I can hear mca squirming. THANK YOU FONG PO KUAN !!! - JUSTICE ALWAYS xxx

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written by Uncorruptible, February 22, 2008 22:26:06

A crushing blow for the evil bn regime - umno/mca/mic/grkn = Axis of Evil- President Boosh

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written by Kcc, February 22, 2008 22:49:12

A good leader listens to supporters. Po Kuan has listened. She is the kind of leader that we need.

WELCOME BACK!... and vote for her

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written by Spear Bing, February 22, 2008 23:05:00

The BN politicians are expected to accuse DAP and Fong for resorting such tactical ploy to gain 'cheap' publicity over the news media, but say what you like, that's one helluva of effective 'sting' to attract the attention of the MSM who have been in the past decades blacking out news articles on the opposition's manifestos, goals, and objectives whilst glaringly given headline attention to the BN.

For so many decades, the Malaysian reading public have been fed with BN propoganda, and the opposition parties would have the daunting task of climbing this steep mountain to 'slay the dacing', given this disadvantaged handicap in the news media reporting.

Perhaps, its about time for the Opposition candidates to very quickly initiate their own blog-site and announce to the public during the nomination day or print posters to attract the voters to view their webistes. Create U-tube or myspace video clips and let the voters assess your competancy. You all might as well say good bye to the MSM. Now you know how much damage they have done to PAS with all the skewed and biased reports on the opposition parties.

Fong will win hands down, and will send MCA packing their bags to the Ipoh Caves.

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written by HARIMAU BIN ABDULLAH, February 23, 2008 00:07:18

Vote for opposition = Vote for FREEDOM

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written by Khan, February 23, 2008 00:25:30

The mainstream newspapers' website have gone silent in highlighting this important event! Until this second, I don't see any flash news in 'The Star' website.

Newspaper editors with no backbone! Shame on you all!

People...Please VOTE BN OUT!

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written by JUST, February 23, 2008 04:46:45

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...re=related

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written by bumi non malay, February 23, 2008 07:40:59

Fong Poh Kuan - Heroine.......>>>>> Lee Lam Thye - Zero

Time to give her a bigger role perhaps Head the Perak or Johor DAP!.....show some work life balance for a genuine caring person!!

To Hell with UMNO-MIC-MCA-PBS......and all those RTM, NSTP, Berita, Nanyang, Sin Chew....etc.....you are not credible media.!!

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