HRW deputy director (Asia) Phil Robertson said if DAP actually cared about human rights issues, it should reverse the decision and allow Santiago to contest.

“Disastrous decision by DAP that will negatively affect human rights for Malaysians and across the Asean region,” Robertson said on Twitter.

“News reports that despite winning his seat with huge margins, DAP dumping Santiago, longstanding chairman of Asean Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR).”

He said Santiago’s proven track record on human rights issues was impressive and “should not be thrown aside so flippantly for crass political reasons”.

“It’s a slap in the face by DAP against those advocating for human rights,” he said.

Yesterday, DAP named Kota Kemuning assemblyman V Ganabatirau as its candidate for the Klang parliamentary seat.

This means that Santiago will not get to defend the seat where he had served for three terms.

In an immediate response, Santiago said he did not intend to stand as an independent following the snub from DAP.

Santiago had been increasing his majority in Klang in the three general elections since 2008. He won with a majority of 17,701 in 2008, 24,685 in 2013 and 78,773 in 2018.

In the last electoral roll, the constituency had about 55% Chinese voters, 26% Malays and 18% Indians.

Rumours that he would be dropped had been met with resistance from Klang business groups, NGOs and residents, who praised him for his community service and hard work, especially during last year’s floods.