DAP today confirmed its intention to contest in the Gaya by-election in Sabah but is hoping that it will be a straight fight, referring to fellow opposition party Keadilan's widely publicised desire to go for the seat as well.

DAP secretary-general Kerk Kim Hock told reporters at the Parliament lobby that he conveyed the decision to Keadilan president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail this morning.

He said a three-corned contest should be avoided in order to pave the way for an opposition victory for the parliamentary seat.

Asked what would happen if Keadilan insisted on contesting, Kerk replied: "Everything depends on the development".

"We know Keadilan's interest to contest in this by-election is very strong. Although we are not in the Barisan Alternatif anymore, we can still discuss this matter," he said.

DAP quit the opposition front last September after a fallout with PAS over the latter's ambition to set up an Islamic state should it come into power.