Former DAP assemblyperson Teh Yee Cheu will contest the Sungai Pinang state seat in Penang under a Parti Sosialis Malaysia ticket.

Malaysiakini reported on March 16 that Teh, who was Tanjung Bungah assemblyperson, had decided to contest the seat as a 'third choice' for voters other than BN or Pakatan Harapan.

Teh officially quit DAP yesterday as he had vowed to do over differences with the party's leadership, including their recent move to work with former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, whom they opposed in the past.

Teh's candidacy in Sungai Pinang marks the socialist's party maiden foray into elections in Penang.

PSM central committee member Choo Chon Kai made the announcement this morning at the party's operations center in Sungai Pinang.

Choo clarified that Teh (below) was not a party member, but would "borrow" PSM's logo for the upcoming polls.

"On March 17 last year we announced that we will open the space for activists and grassroots leaders who are not party members and allow them to borrow our logo for GE14," Choo said during the press conference.

"Those who wish to borrow our logo must fulfil four criteria including making a declaration of assets, to reject racial and religious politics and not use it during election campaigning, to agree with the PSM election manifesto and to open a service center if he or she wins," Choo outlined.

Check and balance

Choo said Teh has fulfilled the said criteria and the party felt that he was a capable candidate.

PSM believes Teh is able to bring forward the agenda of building up “people's power” and to fight for social justice, Choo added.

"We are amazed at Teh's ability to stand by his principles on many issues which involve the people's interests, including the protection of the environment.

"Teh may be the only candidate we field in Penang, but we believe his candidacy will breathe new life into politics in the state," he said.

"If Teh can continue to maintain his seat in the state assembly on the PSM platform, we are determined to bring here a new political culture.

"We will provide a proper and credible check-and-balance in Penang to protect the people's interest from those who are mega-rich," he added.