State polls - Penang PSM to hold referendum on whether to contest

Penang PSM will hold a referendum to get feedback on whether it should contest in the upcoming state election.

State party spokesperson Choo Chon Kai said the referendum will also gather information on issues that requires attention in the polls.

"PSM, which is a progressive political party that always champions the cause of the people, is ready to offer a new lease of life to Penang’s and the country's political scene.

"But PSM realises that it is not easy for a small political party that is not part of any coalition to win a seat in an election.

“Therefore, PSM would like to gain feedback from Penang voters on whether it should contest in the forthcoming state elections," said Choo.

The referendum will be carried out both online and offline for six weeks, from May 19 to June 28.

For online, those who would like to provide feedback can log in here, while for the offline method, state party members will go to public areas to meet voters and ask for feedback.

Three state seats

In the statement, Choo also revealed that PSM plans to contest in three state seats under the Jelutong parliamentary seat, namely Datuk Keramat, Sungai Pinang, and Batu Lanchang.

However, the decision will depend on the outcome of the referendum.

"PSM will only field its candidate if the level of support by voters in a particular state seat reaches the minimum support number set by Penang PSM, which is about 10 percent of the electorate in the said seat.

"Aside from the three state seats, respondents to the referendum can also propose other seats that state PSM can contest in."

Regardless of whether PSM is contesting in the Penang state election, the party will continue to champion several issues in the state, Choo assured.

These include local elections, affordable housing, a more efficient public transport system, and protests against projects that destroy nature and harm public safety.

In the 15th general election, PSM contested the Rembau parliamentary seat in Negeri Sembilan and Ayer Kuning state seat in Perak.

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