In a joint statement, the two parties said that their absence will allow Kuala Kubu Baharu’s voters to decide between the unity government and the main opposition parties.

“Muda and PSM are determined to be a voice for Malaysians. Our decision to not contest will not stand in the way of Malaysian voices being our sole focus,” they said.

The two parties said that they will use the two weeks of campaigning ahead of the by-election to instead launch campaigns for public issues such as disproportionate costs of living and housing pressures faced by B40 citizens.

“Muda and PSM will continue to be committed to centring the grievances of Kuala Kubu Baharu’s people.

“We will invite the public to exercise their democratic right to vote, judge, and send a clear message to representatives and political parties to prioritise their duty and responsibility to the country.”

Speaking at a press conference, PSM deputy chairman S Arutchelvan admitted that the two parties’ current challenge is forming an alliance strong enough to contest seats such as Kuala Kubu Baharu, but denied that their chances of victory played a part in their decision to abstain.

Muda acting president Amira Aisya Abd Rahman also said that the risk of losing was not their main reason, stressing that Muda has many candidates it can field.

“Our main focus is empowering the rakyat to decide in a referendum between the government and opposition parties,” she said.

Perikatan Nasional will field Bersatu’s Hulu Selangor acting chief Khairul Azhari Saut in the by-election on May 11.

DAP’s Pang Sock Tao, who is housing and local government minister Nga Kor Ming’s press secretary, will contest the seat for Pakatan Harapan.

DAP has held the Selangor state assembly seat since 2013. Incumbent DAP assemblyman Lee Kee Hiong died last month after a battle with cancer.

Nominations for the by-election will be held on Saturday.