DAP today named its Kota Kinabalu branch chairperson Dr Hiew King Cheu as the party's candidate for the upcoming Gaya by-election in Sabah.

Announcing Hiew's candidacy in a statement, the party's International secretary Teresa Kok said the candidate has a commendable record of social and societal involvement.

"DAP believes that Hiew is a suitable and capable candidate to contest the Gaya seat," said Kok who is also the party's Gaya by-election committee chairperson.

When contacted by malaysiakini , Hiew expressed confidence that he would give the Barisan Nasional a good fight for the parliamentary seat.