Delegates at today's annual general meeting of Parti Sosialis Malaysia are expected to thrash out the party's direction following its mixed results in GE13.

Secretary-general S Arutchelvan said delegates are also likely to examine the party's relationship with the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

PSM was involved with three multi-cornered contests with PAS and PKR in Selangor and with DAP in Perak in the May 5 general election.

PSM secretary-general S Arutchelvan at bar council forum 2 Arutchelvan ( right ) said the party would also be exploring ways to re-brand itself following the post-GE13 scenario and the socialist world after the death of Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez.

This year, the three-day meeting is held in Cameron Highlands involving 300 delegates, including those from Sabah and Sarawak.

Most sessions will be closed to the press but party leaders are expected to issue statements every evening.

Party polls

Party elections will also be held. All positions are open for contest, except the posts of president and secretary-general, which have been won uncontested by Dr Nasir Hashim and Arutchelvan respectively.

NONE It had been reported earlier that Pakatan had set-up a panel to discuss PSM's application to join the opposition group, despite PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution's insistence that there is no room for PSM in Pakatan.

The opposition to PSM's entry stems from its clenched-fist party logo and its socialist ideology. However, PSM and PAS have had formal talks earlier this month.

Arutchelvan said PKR vice-president Tian Chua has confirmed that he would represent his party at the event, while local DAP and PAS representations have also confirmed their participation.

Pakatan backstabbed us, says PSM chief