KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian United Democratic Alliance (Muda) will sit out the Mahkota by-election scheduled for Sept 28.
In a statement today, Muda Johor said the party would instead focus on strengthening grassroots support in Johor and implementing the party's rejuvenation agenda.
"We have decided not to contest the Mahkota by-election after several discussions and deliberations with the state committee and central executive committee.
"Our priority is to expand the party's presence in every parliamentary constituency and district within Johor," the statement read.
The party also said it would continue to serve as a check and balance, championing local issues that affect the people by emphasising the importance of empowering the people's voice through its lawmakers.
The by-election for the state seat was called following the death of its assemblyman, Datuk Sharifah Azizah Syed Zain, on Aug 2.
The Election Commission (EC) fixed Sept 14 for the nomination of candidates and Sept 28 as polling day.
The by-election would see 66,318 voters going to the ballot boxes, with the EC allocating RM2.4 million for the process.