KUALA LUMPUR: Parti Rakyat Malaysia (PRM) will not contest in the Sungai Bakap state assembly by-election as its best candidate has been declared bankrupt.
PRM president Ahmad Jufliz Faiza announced that after a review, they found that their chosen candidate was bankrupt, despite previously declaring himself debt-free.
"We had already identified a suitable candidate earlier, and today, after conducting a review, it was found that the candidate we wanted to put forward was declared bankrupt, even though he initially informed the political bureau meeting that he was debt-free.
"Since tomorrow is nomination day, we have decided not to look for a replacement candidate due to the time constraints in vetting a new candidate," he said as reported by FMT.
Jufliz said that although they were shocked and saddened by the information, it does not mean that the party will not participate in other elections in the future.
Additionally, he said that PRM faced pressure from a political coalition to withdraw in order to prevent vote splitting, though he clarified that this was not the main reason for the party's decision to pull out.
Previously, Jufliz said that the defeat in the Kuala Kubu Baharu state assembly by-election was not the end for the party's continued participation in elections, as they could still contribute to the state and country.
He said that PRM often contests in elections in Penang, and had previously fielded Tan Joon Long as a candidate in Sungai Bakap during the 2018 General Election (PRU).
The Election Commission (EC) had previously set the voting day for the Sungai Bakap by-election for July 6, with a 14-day campaigning period starting tomorrow.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) has nominated Northern Branch Aminuddin Baki Institute (IAB) director Dr Joohari Ariffin as their candidate, while Perikatan Nasional (PN) has fielded Pas Nibong Tebal vice chief Abidin Ismail.
The Sungai Bakap by-election is being held following the death of its incumbent, Nor Zamri Latiff, on May 24, due to an inflammation in the stomach.