In a statement, he said he had received a tentative offer several months ago but had no interest in the seat.
“I will only contest in these elections if my participation signifies a significant new political narrative in the country that augurs well for our future,” he added.
For example, he said, if he were a DAP candidate, he would only contest in an urban, Chinese-majority area.
“The significance would be that DAP truly welcomed this Malay and was willing to give up a ‘safe seat’ for him.”
DAP’s generosity could then be a new political narrative for the country, dispelling the notion that DAP is a “selfish Chinese party”, he said.
“This is significant because Umno and the ultra Malays are always saying DAP will take over the country to the detriment of the Malays.”
If he were a PPBM or PKR candidate, on the other hand, Zaid said he would only contest against Shahrir Samad or Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, whom he called “Barisan Nasional icons”.
He said they would be significant opponents because they represented the past, adding that their “blind loyalty” to Prime Minister Najib Razak needed to be addressed.
“When smart people abandon reason and obediently follow instructions at the expense of the people’s welfare, we have to face them and defeat them.
“This is another example of the kind of significant political narrative that interests me.”
Zaid also rubbished the notion that he was only looking for a “plum seat” and was unwilling to take any risks.
“Let me remind them that if I had wanted safe politics, I would have remained in government and would not have sacrificed my ministerial position over some Chinese citizens who were detained under the ISA.
“My interest has always been about having a better future for the country, not about becoming a YB.”
Last September, Zaid appeared to challenge his party, DAP, to field him in GE14, saying he hoped to be an MP again “because there are so many things wrong with our country”.
Although acknowledging that he was unlikely to be part of the government even if Pakatan Harapan won the election, he said it was “grossly irresponsible” for anyone not to be involved in the effort to change those in power.
“I do not see myself in government, but I hope to be a voice that can persuade and convince leaders of the core issues we have to address,” he said.