Former Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo will stand in Damansara.

At a fundraising dinner tonight, Pua revealed that many leaders tried to persuade him not to sit out the polls.

He also said it was his decision not to defend his seat, adding that he made the decision “many years ago”.

“I am not quitting the team and I believe in the team.

“I am just reassigning myself to play a different role that best utilises my strengths. When called upon, Tony Pua will give his everything.”

In August, Pua was coy on whether he would contest in GE15, telling FMT: “We’ll see,” when asked.

The Straits Times had previously reported that Pua told party peers he would not contest in GE15.

The Singapore daily wrote that the three-term MP had made clear to his DAP peers he would not stand for a fourth parliamentary term.

Pua tonight thanked party chairman Lim Guan Eng for giving him the opportunity to contest and serve as an MP as well as for allowing new blood to contest to ensure DAP remained relevant in future polls.

He also said Damansara was a special seat, with the name itself able to “strike fear among those who are corrupt, Umno and Barisan Nasional”.

Meanwhile, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook paid tribute to Pua, calling him one of the most hardworking MPs in Malaysia who invested his time and energy in exposing scandals, including 1MDB, and conducting research, among others.

“He is one of the very few DAP leaders who will go the extra mile to help the party,” Loke said, adding that Pua was also a selfless leader who put the people’s interest first.

Loke said that he, along with Lim, had tried to coax Pua to change his mind but “Tony being Tony, not many could once he has made up his mind”.

“Tony has made his decision. I respect it.

“I told him that the moment we take over the federal government, we need competent people like him. I will never let him go.”

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