Kajang by-election: PSM to decide on Thursday

(The Star) – Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) will decide on Thursday whether or not it will field a candidate in the impending Kajang by-election.

“We will make a decision on Feb 6, after discussing with the top and grassroots leaders if there’s a need to contest,” PSM chairman Dr Nasir Hashim told The Star Online on Saturday.

He also dismissed a rumour suggesting that he was approached by some PKR supporters who persuaded the socialist party to stay out of the by-election.

“No, there’s no such thing,” said the former Kota Damansara assemblyman.

It was reported previously that PSM was mulling to contest Kajang, following the resignation of PKR assemblyman Lee Chin Cheh.

Its secretary-general S Arutchelvan said many have urged the party to stand in the by-election “to teach PKR a lesson”.

But this has not been finalised yet, said Nasir.

“In the meeting, we will discuss at length as to why PKR forced a by-election, what is their internal crisis, and what is the people’s reaction to this. Only then, a decision will be made,” he said.

PKR had announced that its de-facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will contest the seat, an attempt allegedly to make him the next Mentri Besar replacing Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim who is under pressure to resign from his post.