GE15: PSM to contest in only BN strongholds, not targeting PH seats

SHAH ALAM - Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has revealed that the party will only be vying for seats in Barisan Nasional (BN) strongholds in the 15th General Election (GE15).

Its deputy chairman S Arutchelvan told reporters at a press conference on Nov 2 that the decision to contest came after much deliberation within the party’s central committee.

"Even if PSM failed (to sign an election collaboration with PH), we still take the stand that we will not join any other coalition such as BN and GTA (Gerakan Tanah Air)," he was reported to have said, as quoted in Malaysiakini.

He further said that PSM also decided that they would not clash with PH in any seats so that the coalition could focus on winning in that seat and that it was also ready to support candidates from other progressive parties.

Malaysiakini further quoted that the announcement came after the failure to seal the collaboration with PH and failed to secure Sungai Siput parliamentary seat.

Arutchelvan also stated that PSM would not contest in Sungai Siput.

He said PSM would compete solo in the parliamentary seat of Rembau, Negeri Sembilan and the state assembly seat of Ayer Kuning, Perak.

"PSM is contesting in two places that we have never contested before but actively helping the people in that area by solving various problems of the people including farm workers, farmers, breeders and government contract workers," said Arutchelvan.

The socialist party would place two activists which were S Tinagaran, 45, better known as Cikgu Tina to contest in the Rembau Parliament while another candidate, a lawyer who is also PSM Deputy Secretary-General, KS Bawani, 36, would contest in the Ayer Kuning seat.