JOHOR BAHARU, March 4 (Bernama) -- Don't give sympathy votes to the opposition, said Gerakan adviser Datuk Seri Dr Lim Keng Yaik.

He gave the reminder to residents of Skudai which is said to be a "hot" seat as the DAP has fielded a strong and influential candidate (Dr Boo Cheng Hau) in the party's third attempt to wrest the seat.

"Perhaps there are voters who intend to give sympathy votes to DAP as this is its third attempt to win the seat. The general election is not the time to give such sympathy but to have a representative who can serve the people well and solve their problems," he said after meeting Gerakan members and residents in Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai, here today.

Also present were BN candidate for the Skudai state seat, Teo Kok Chee, and for the Bukit Batu state seat, Cheong Chin Liang.

Dr Lim, the former Gerakan president, said the people should choose the best as their elected representatives to look after their interests and see to the development of their areas.

"They should vote for BN candidates as these individuals can help them. I can guarantee that the opposition will not be able to do this as they don't have the means."

Dr Lim, who is also Energy, Water and Communications Minister, said the BN was working harder to retain the seat, adding that the voters already had an elected representative who could solve their problems, so they should vote for him.

Meanwhile, Teo said this election would be his last as he wanted to make way for a new, younger face.

"I have served for over 20 years. I think one more term will be enough if I win, and I will share my experience with the younger leaders who would be taking over in future.

Teo, the Johor Gerakan chief, is said to meet his match once again in Dr Boo, who is the Johor DAP chairman, whom he defeated in the last general election by 2,193 votes.