IPOH, April 24 — Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM)’s leadership are currently deliberating on whether they should give up contesting the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat.

This comes after PKR announced their candidate for the seat. There are concerns within PSM that a multi-cornered fight against Pakatan Harapan (PH), Barisan Nasional (BN) and PAS will make it difficult to secure a GE14 win.

Incumbent Sungai Siput MP Dr Micheal Jeyakumar from PSM said that a few party members had suggested that he give up the seat.  

“Some people in our branch are questioning whether we should stand aside. They said no point in contesting if we are going to lose.

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“This is the argument that is going on now, but we have to consult the party and branch members before making any decision,” he told Malay Mail when contacted.

PKR today announced that S. Kesavan, who is the party’s incumbent for Hutang Melintang state seat, will be contesting for the parliamentary seat in GE14.  

“It’s quite disappointing because the seat could be won by the Opposition, but now it has turned into a four-cornered fight with PAS contesting as well.

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“It’s going to be difficult and all the opposition parties, including PAS are going to lose,” he added.

Dr Jeyakumar admitted that PSM has a slim chance in a four-cornered fight.

“There is a group of people who directly helped and supported us in the previous election, but they are only about 25 to 30 per cent of the voting population.

“The other votes come from the people who supported the Opposition. They support us because they want to bring Barisan Nasional down. But, now we won’t get their support,” he said.

Dr Jeyakumar also said losing the seat as such will not only affect the Opposition in the state, but also at the federal level.   

“Pakatan Harapan said they want to win Putrajaya, but they are throwing away the seats which they can win.

“If PH continues with this kind of behaviour in other seats, then winning Putrajaya should be put on hold. It’s no more ‘ini kali la’ (this time), but ‘lain kali la’ (next time) to form the government,” he said.

PH had offered PSM the Sungai Siput seat provided that they contested under the PKR ticket and stand down from four state seats in Selangor, as well as the Cameron Highlands parliamentary seat.

“We negotiated with them on the matter and said that we would stand down two of the state seat in Selangor and contest the other seats, but they still don’t agree,” said Dr Jeyakumar.

Dr Jeyakumar said that PSM will continue its service for the people of Sungai Siput even if they do not hold any position there.

“We won’t stop helping the people. We are not a party which gives important for the seats. Our concern is the people, but if we have a seat, then we could serve them better,” he said.