A coalition of 44 Chinese NGOs has announced the formation of a new party, called the Penang Front Party (PFP) in light of the coming Bukit Gelugor by-election fixed for May 25.

PFP spokesperson Saw Chong Tatt said the party will be registered today, and has short-listed three candidates for the Bukit Gelugor by-election, for which nomination day has been fixed for May 12.

"We have not decided on the candidate, but we have already shortlisted three names," Saw told a press conference in Bayan Baru today.

"We have some supporters there (Bukit Gelugor), so our chances is 50-50," he added.

Saw said if PFP is accepted by the people, it will field 15-17 candidates in the state in the 14th general election, which is not due until 2018.

Saw was accompanied by BN Padang Besar MP Zahidi Zainul Abidin and the party's pro-tem committee chairperson Go Chui Tiong.

The Bukit Gelugor seat fell vacant after its MP Karpal Singh died in a car crash near Gua Tempurung in Perak, along the North-South Expressway on April 17.

DAP has shortlisted five candidates for the seat and its central executive committee will meet today to decide the party's choice.

Speculation is rife that Karpal's third son, lawyer Ram Karpal, 38 will be the candidate.

Meanwhile, Zahidi, who is the PFP adviser, said MCA cannot win in Bukit Gelugor.

"They (PFP) have sought my advice to set up a new party since they are anti-DAP and pro-BN. I have given them some guidance but I am not funding them," he added.

Meanwhile, Saw said PFP will invite other NGOs to join the front to make it a multi-racial group.

He said Penang needs to be led by a true Penangite, hitting out at Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, who was born in Johor.

"There are many capable Penangites, who have become prime ministers and opposition leaders," Saw said.

"It is not that there is no Chinese who is capable and qualified to become Penang CM," he  stressed.

Saw said PFP wants to save Penang from becoming DAP's political tool to achieve its political ambitions, not to struggle to defend Penangites.