PSM awaiting Harapan's response on GE15 electoral pact

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has confirmed it is awaiting a response from Pakatan Harapan on forming an electoral pact for the upcoming 15th general election (GE15).

In a statement today, party deputy chairperson S Arulchelvan said they are open to using a single logo and included a request to Harapan for PSM chairperson Dr Michael Jeyakumar to contest the Sungai Siput parliamentary seat.

Others vying for the former MIC stronghold in Perak includes MIC president SA Vigneswaran who hopes to recapture Sungai Siput from PKR’s Kesavan Subramaniam.

Kesavan beat MIC’s SK Devamany in the 2018 general election.

However, it was Jeyakumar contesting under the PKR logo who wrested the seat from MIC heavyweight Samy Vellu in 2008.

Former MIC president Samy Vellu passed away last month aged 86. He served as Sungai Siput MP for eight terms from September 1974.

Jeyakumar was re-elected in 2013 but, being committed to PSM, decided to defend the seat under his party’s logo, eventually losing to a Harapan candidate.

Supporters of PSM’s pact with Harapan include P Ramasamy, the Penang deputy chief minister II who is from DAP.

He was of the view that PSM does not differ much in ideology from other Harapan component parties such as DAP and PKR.

“While PSM is a socialist party, DAP subscribes to the notion of democratic socialism,” said Ramasamy, a few days before Harapan’s meeting with PSM on Sept 30 to negotiate their pact.

No word yet

Meanwhile, Arulchelvan said PSM’s decision on which other seats they would contest depended on whether the deal with Harapan works out.

“We have yet to hear of any outcome officially from the committee who did say they will report to the Harapan presidential council.

“And the other seats we requested were seats that are not incumbent seats of the current four Harapan component parties,” he added.

Meanwhile, Arulchelvan said PSM will have a training workshop for its shortlisted candidates and campaign managers on Saturday (Oct 15).

Next Monday (Oct 17), in conjunction with the International Day to Eradicate Poverty, PSM plans to present a list of election demands from grassroots voters to all contesting political parties.

Months after minimum wage enforcement, many still not getting it - PSM

GE15: Harapan holds meeting with Muda, PSM to negotiate partnership

Harapan should include PSM in electoral front: DAP leader

Harapan in talks with Muda, PSM to partner up for GE15

PSM seeks cooperation, open to using Harapan logo in GE15