GEORGE TOWN: The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) will sit out the Sungai Bakap by-election.
In a statement issued today, Muda said their focus would instead be on the people's issues.
"After discussions with the central and state Muda leadership, we have decided not to contest in the Sungai Bakap by-election and focus instead on our role as a third force in the political arena.
"Muda will continue to be the voice of the people inside and outside Parliament by putting pressure on the cost of living issues, fair allocation to all government and opposition parliamentarians, as well as continuing institutional reforms that have not yet been implemented," it said.
Muda said recently it had voiced and put pressure on several important issues such as the IMD's World Competitiveness Ranking where Malaysia is now ranked 34th compared with 27th previously, the issue of rising inflation, the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) intimidation of two lawyers, the appointment of Tan Sri Azam Baki as MACC chief as well as populist by-election promises.
"All these issues require immediate attention and action for the benefit of the people.
"Muda has also completed the first phase of the party's rejuvenation agenda.
"This month, Muda has launched a new digital registration and the membership portal link is as follows: https://partimuda.org
"Next, we will focus on the second phase of the rejuvenation agenda plan and political work at the state and parliamentary levels," it added.
Muda said more details would be announced soon.
The Election Commission has fixed July 6 for the Sungai Bakap by-election.
The by-election is being held following the death of its assemblyman, Pas' Nor Zamri Latiff on May 24.
Nomination of candidates for the by-election will be held tomorrow while early voting is set for July 2.
For now, the Sungai Bakap by-election will see a straight fight between former educator Dr Joohari Ariffin, 60, for the unity government and Nor Zamri's special officer Abidin Ismail for Perikatan Nasional.
Political analysts had said that both the unity government and PN stood an equal chance of winning the by-election.
Meanwhile, Parti Rakyat Malaysia has indicated that it would throw its hat into the ring for the Sungai Bakap by-election.