Maria Chin hopes to defend PJ seat

Incumbent Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin hopes that PKR will allow her to defend her seat.

Speaking to Malaysiakini, the former Bersih chairperson said she will accept any decision by the party.

"Yes, of course, I would want to defend my seat," she said.

"This is really up to the party, and I believe a decision will be made (soon)."

Maria (above) made her name as a civil society leader before politics. In 2018, she stood on a PKR ticket for the Petaling Jaya seat and won handsomely.

She joined PKR later but did not participate actively in party politics.

Maria does not hold any position in the Petaling Jaya PKR division, which is led by Hee Loy Sian.

She also contested for a spot in PKR central leadership council in the recent party election but did not succeed.

Given that she does not have proven grassroots support within the Petaling Jaya PKR division, observers have opined that her chances of being retained were slightly lower.

Accept other seats

Maria, 65, said she would also accept candidacy for other seats.

"I think everyone expressed their intention (to contest).

"We are all party members, so we will leave it to the party to make a wise decision," she said.

Maria was the third chairperson of Bersih, a coalition of civil society groups seeking electoral reforms.

She was detained without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 on the eve of the Bersih 5 rally in 2016.

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