PETALING JAYA: Like Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Kubang Pasu, DAP’s Dr Tan Seng Giaw is synonymous with Kepong, a parliamentary constituency he has represented for the last four decades, even before he joined the party.

Within DAP, Tan is known for his frank views, and has often spoken out against party leaders.

The feud became open when DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng revealed last June that Tan had been “incommunicado” with party leaders since early this year.

This followed his comments seen as criticising the DAP-led Penang government for ignoring environmental issues in approving development projects.

Talk is now rife that Tan, 75, will not be fielded to defend the Kepong seat, with DAP insiders saying a new face has been on the cards since the 13th general election.

A source within DAP said Tan was selected to stand again in Kepong only at the last minute in the 2013 polls, in which he won with the biggest majority in the overwhelmingly Chinese-majority seat since his first victory in 1978.

One speculation is that Tan’s time is finally up, and he will be replaced by either former Selangor executive councillor Ronnie Liu or DAP election strategist Ong Kian Ming.

Liu was among those re-elected into DAP’s top decision-making body, the central executive committee (CEC), coming out at the 17th spot.

Ong, meanwhile, is the Serdang MP, and was widely thought would replace Tan in Kepong in the 13th general election.

Ong could be a more likely candidate, a source told FMT.

“If the Election Commission has its way with the delineation exercise, the Serdang seat may be renamed Bangi and become a Malay-majority area. Due to that, Ong may move to Kepong,” the source said.

But the DAP may also find this an opportunity to show the Malay electorate that it is not a Chinese-centric party.

One name that comes up frequently is Zaid Ibrahim, an equally maverick politician who appeals to urban voters.

“Zaid may be placed in the seat as a way to help boost DAP’s standing as a multi-racial party. He is seen as a vocal and moderate Muslim, and has often fought for the rights of non-Muslims,” said the source.

The former minister, who joined DAP last February, was previously reported as saying that he was prepared to contest in Johor Bahru, Kota Bharu or any other suitable seat. Zaid was a one-term Kota Bharu MP after winning the seat as a Barisan Nasional candidate in the 2004 general election.

Meanwhile, Tan declined to comment when asked if he will be defending his Kepong seat.

DAP’s Tan Seng Giaw ‘incommunicado’, says Guan Eng

Kepong MP: Other DAP members will speak up on environs if Teh leaves party