SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan DAP veterans wear sanitary masks in protest of nomination of a senator who is not from the state.

Lee Kong Hing, chairman of the NS DAP veterans club said the state committee is “selling out” the interest and dignity of Negeri Sembilan by nominating Datuk Vincent Wu Him Ven from Johor, a central executive committee member of DAP,  to be a senator.

He then handed out the sanitary masks on the spot for veterans from Seremban, Lukut, Bahau and Tampin present at the press conference on Sunday to wear them in protest of the 19 state committee members who were silent on the issue.

Lee said the 19-member state committee, led by Negeri Sembilan DAP chairman Anthony Loke, is scheduled to recommend an outsider for the position in the Negeri Sembilan state assembly on Aug 4.

Lee also revealed that the nomination of Wu caused controversy when the latter was conferred Datukship in Negeri Sembilan two years ago.

Lee emphasized that the protest is not against an individual but against the entire Negeri Sembilan state committee for repeatedly “handing over” a political representation to an outsider.

“We are not lacking in talent. Negeri Sembilan DAP has many doctors, lawyers, entrepreneurs, university graduates and various professionals, but they never get a chance. Is it true that Negeri Sembilan cannot find its own talent?” he asked.

Lee disclosed that the veterans club and several branches had submitted a list of local candidates in June to the state committee.

He condemned the state committee for ignoring the voices of the local grassroots and no meeting was held for discussions.

“Our list was met with silence. We saw outsiders congratulating the nominee in a group chat, and that’s how we knew it had already been decided,” Lee said.

Lee, who tailored-made the sanitary masks, said the masks are thick and soundproof, which symbolized the silent attitude of the state committee members who are tight-lipped and quiet like a mouse.

The veterans request the state committee to retract the nomination and convene discussions with divisions and branches in the state or the veteran club does not rule out further protests.

Loke is reported to respond today.