Muda-PSM alliance sits out KKB polls

The Muda-PSM alliance will not be contesting in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election.

The announcement was made by Muda's acting president Amira Aisya Abd Aziz and PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan at a press conference in Petaling Jaya today.

Among the reasons given is that the alliance wants to serve as a check and balance for the community in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

"After several rounds of discussions, Muda-PSM has decided not to contest in the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election on May 11.

"The decision was made to allow voters to exercise their voting rights and present a strong referendum on the performance of the Madani government.

"Moreover, it will allow voters to make a decision (choose) between the government party and opposition," said Amira.

Pang Sock Tao

Following the decision, Kuala Kubu Baharu may see a straight fight between Pakatan Harapan and Perikatan Nasional - vying for a seat held by the DAP for three terms.

Harapan is fielding Pang Sock Tao, who is also an officer to the Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming.

Meanwhile, PN is fielding Khairul Azhari Saut, the Hulu Selangor Bersatu chief.

Khairul Azhari Saut

During the press conference, Muda and PSM urged all political parties and candidates contesting to meet voters' aspirations by outlining several guidelines in this by-election.

Among them are urging voters to reject parties or candidates that bring racial narrative and focus on issues like combatting corruption and abuse of power.

Besides that, they also urge voters to choose parties or candidates who champion issues like addressing the cost of living, improving social security, preserving the environment and safeguarding the democratic rights of the people.

Elaborating on their call, Amira said the two-week campaigning period will be used by the alliance to mobilise grassroots-centric campaigns in Kuala Kubu Baharu.

"Important issues such as the cost of living, housing for the B40 community and public healthcare are among the focuses that need to be addressed by the Madani government," she said.

Helping voters decide better

Meanwhile, Arutchelvan acknowledged that although there were calls (for the alliance) to field candidates, they want to focus on helping voters evaluate the contesting parties.

"We are an activist party, not a seasonal party in elections. When we don't contest, it doesn't mean we don't do work. We apologise to the media and our supporters.

"It's a bit anti-climactic because we are not contesting even though there were calls for a third force to contest. Even though this is a by-election, it is also a national referendum on the Madani government.

"So we want the Kuala Kubu Baharu voters to make an important decision - whether this Madani government deserves to be voted in or not, but this decision lies with the people here," he said.

Arutchelvan also mentioned the issue of plantation workers who asked candidates and political parties to sign a statutory declaration (on election promises) if they wanted their votes.

"This is the first time plantation workers are asking for an SD from contesting candidates because they have lost confidence in politicians' promises. There have been so many empty promises in previous elections.

"So, we will use this to highlight issues like this as well as complaints from the community there," he added.

Yesterday, voters from five estates in the Kuala Kubu Baharu state constituency set conditions for candidates who want votes from the estates by making an SD to fulfil all promises made.

This is because residents from the estates are tired of being "cheated" repeatedly.

"We don't want to be cheated again with empty promises from political leaders. We have more than 500 votes in this area," their representative Vasudevan Raja Manickam was reported as saying.

‘Tough for third blocs’

Meanwhile, Arutchelvan denied that a series of electoral defeats in previous elections was among the reasons for Muda and PSM's decision not to contest.

"In the first-past-the-post system, it is indeed difficult for third bloc parties to win. Not only in our country but all over the world, that's normal.

"But in this election, we want to form a stronger coalition, so we can contest in all seats instead of just a few seats. I think that's one weakness we have now," he said.

Tomorrow is nomination day, while polling day is on May 11. - Mkini