Following Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming’s announcement that he will not be contesting the upcoming 15th general election (GE15), speculation has been rife that fellow DAP member Damansara MP Tony Pua may follow suit and also sit this one out.
According to Sin Chew Daily, DAP sources said a “leader formerly with the elite faction” may make a similar decision as Ong to quit politics temporarily.
The source said after the DAP's central committee election in March, the leader had issued a statement to express such a stance.
When asked whether the leader is Pua (above), the source told the Chinese-language newspaper that “this is only your speculation”.
Another source said to Sin Chew Daily that Pua had expressed his intention not to contest in GE15 even before DAP’s party polls.
Earlier today, Ong announced his decision not to offer himself as a candidate for the next national election and to take a break from politics.
Malaysiakini had sought Pua's opinion on Ong's decision, however, the Damansara MP refused to comment.
Malaysiakini has also contacted DAP secretary-general Anthony Loke for comment.
Duo in favour of Muhyiddin’s Harapan-govt deal
Pua and Ong were among the leaders who pushed for Harapan to work with Muhyiddin Yassin when the former prime minister offered a confidence and supply agreement with the opposition towards the end of his reign.
The deal offered then was after Muhyiddin lost the support of 15 Umno MPs led by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Najib Abdul Razak.
However, the deal was rejected by Harapan's top leadership. This forced Muhyiddin to resign and allowed Umno vice-president Ismail Sabri Yaakob to take over as premier on Aug 22 last year.
The opposition's attempt to work with Muhyiddin also backfired among its supporters.
Pua and Ong both lost in the recent party election which saw the Seremban MP Loke replace Lim Guan Eng as DAP secretary-general.
Loke has thanked Ong for his contributions and respects his wish not to contest in the next general election. - Mkini
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