KUALA LUMPUR: Former Melaka DAP chairman Damian Yeo has vowed to quit politics rather than accept any move by Pakatan Harapan (PH) to cede the Bemban state seat to Bersatu in the upcoming Melaka election.
The former Duyong assemblyman said he learnt of the possibility while discussing candidates, campaign strategies and the political landscape with another former Melaka DAP chairman.
"But when I heard that the plan under PH Plus could involve giving up Bemban to Bersatu, my immediate reaction was... Forget it, I am out," he said in a Facebook post.
Yeo said the wounds of past political betrayals remained fresh, making it difficult for him to accept any proposed cooperation with Bersatu.
"The wound from being stabbed in the back is still fresh. Some political betrayals are simply too difficult to forget, let alone forgive.
"I have been there, done that, and paid the price," he said.
He said he had decided to withdraw from political activities, including campaigning in the Melaka election.
His remarks come amid speculation over a possible electoral arrangement between PH and Bersatu.
On Sept 19, Melaka PH chairman Datuk Seri Adly Zahari confirmed that discussions were being held with Bersatu on a possible PH Plus collaboration.
However, Melaka DAP chairman Khoo Poay Tiong said on Wednesday that PH would contest the state election on its own, without cooperating with other parties, including Bersatu.
He also said DAP intended to contest eight seats, including Bemban, which its former chairman Datuk Tey Kok Kiew lost in the 2021 state election.
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