BENTONG: The People's Progressive Party (MyPPP) has decided not to participate in the Sungai Bakap by-election, citing Barisan Nasional's (BN) indecision regarding MyPPP's status within the coalition.
Acting president Datuk Dr J. Loga Bala Mohan emphasised that MyPPP, having never left the coalition, should be reinstated as a BN component party rather than being treated as an external ally.
"Yes, we (MyPPP) campaigned wholeheartedly for the unity government during the Kuala Kubu Baru by-election (May 11), but we have chosen to abstain from the Sungai Bakap by-election until BN and the Madani government accord us the respect we deserve. MyPPP will not campaign until a clear decision is made," he said.
He stressed the importance of respect and proper engagement from BN and the Madani government, noting that MyPPP's loyalty and commitment should be acknowledged.
"Our members have dignity and cannot be treated as convenient allies. BN should engage with us meaningfully," he added.
MyPPP received no invitations to BN meetings or activities, Loga Bala said, asserting that the party should be officially reinstated within BN.
"We have been excluded from their plans and communications. MyPPP never left BN, so we should not be considered merely as friends of BN," he said.
On the possibility of joining Perikatan Nasional if BN does not come forward, Loga Bala indicated that this decision would be made by MyPPP members during its national general meeting on Aug 18.
He also highlighted MyPPP's preparations for the 16th general election, saying, "We are ready to contest, even if it means standing alone. Being a political party means participating in elections."
MyPPP faced deregistration in 2019 due to a leadership dispute between the late Datuk Seri Maglin Dennis D'Cruz and Tan Sri M. Kayveas.
However, in April last year, the Home Ministry annulled the Registrar of Societies' decision, reinstating MyPPP's supreme council.
D'Cruz won the presidency unopposed but died on Nov 17 last year, after which Loga Bala, the party's senior vice-president, assumed the role of acting president.