PARTI Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan has been named candidate for the Kajang state seat. 

PSM founding member Mohd Nasir Hashim announced Arutchelvan’s candidacy earlier today.

Following the announcement, party chairman Dr Michael Jeyakumar handed Arutchelvan the appointment letter. 

Jeyakumar said based on surveys, Pakatan Harapan (PH) will still control Selangor. 

He, however, said PSM wants to contest as the third force in the August 12 polls. 

“We decided to contest so we can bring the people’s issue to the assembly.

“We want to be the third force; the voice that can bring environmental and people’s issues to the assembly,” Jeyakumar told the media today.

Jeyakumar, who is former Sungai Siput lawmaker, said PH-Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional will instil fear in voters, but he urged the people to be wise and think carefully before casting their ballots.

PKR has held Kajang since 2008.

The seat was first won by PKR’s Hee Loy Sian, with a 30,755 majority in a four-cornered battle.

Arutchelvan said he wants to make Kajang a greener area.

“Kajang is already well developed, so we don’t need any more development (projects). What we need is to make this place much greener,” he said.

PSM also announced its secretary-general A. Sivarajan and workers’ rights activist Sivaranjani Manickam will contest in Kota Damansara and Meru, respectively.

PSM will work with youth-based Muda for the state polls. 

The two have formed an electoral pact. 

The Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu polls will be held simultaneously on August 12.

Nomination is on July 29 while early voting is on August 8.

Parties will vie for 245 seats – 56 in Selangor, 45 in Kelantan, 40 in Penang, 36 each in Kedah and Negri Sembilan, and 32 in Terengganu. – July 20, 2023.