MCA’S Jason Teoh Sew Hock will face the biggest battle of his political career at the age of 49, going up against DAP veteran Lim Kit Siang in Iskandar Puteri, Johor’s biggest federal seat.

The Iskandar Puteri MCA chief said he is confident about beating the 77-year-old Lim.

“This is the biggest breakthrough in my 23 years of being involved in politics. I am confident (about my chances) in contesting against a veteran politician, and I hope the people of Iskandar Puteri will give me their support,” said Teoh after the candidates’ names were announcement at the Iskandar Puteri City Hall this morning.

Iskandar Puteri is the largest constituency in the state, and the second biggest in the country in terms of voter numbers.

The seat, formerly known as Gelang Patah, was renamed following the Election Commission’s re-delineation exercise.

Teoh said the population of Gelang Patah now stands at 600,000, following an increase of 150,000 people over the last five years.

He says the constituency has 138,000 voters.

Asked about his chances, Lim said it is up to the people to decide.

“Confident? Barisan Nasional says it is going to defeat me. But this is a battle for Malaysia.”

He earlier said the country’s interest is the main priority, and not those of individuals or political parties.

“Malaysians have to stand united so we can save the country and free it from corruption and unfairness. This goes to all, including members of Umno and PAS.”

Lim, who is contesting under the PKR logo, is the Gelang Patah incumbent. This is the first time DAP is using another party’s logo to contest.

The use of the PKR logo is a mutual decision by leaders in the Pakatan Harapan bloc, which is chaired by former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

The 2013 general election saw Lim beating BN’s Abdul Ghani Othman, the then menteri besar, by 14,762 votes.

In that election, the Gelang Patah seat, originally allocated for MCA, was loaned to Umno. – April 28, 2018.