The Kota Melaka MP, who was appointed Melaka DAP chairman last November, confirmed this with FMT today.

Khoo, who was the Ayer Keroh assemblyman from 2008 to 2018, has been the Kota Melaka MP since 2018.

He is also the chairman of the Melaka Port Authority, having been appointed to the post in September 2023.

Besides Khoo, DAP secretary-general Loke Siew Fook, DAP national chairman Lim Guan Eng and Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow will be defending their posts, as will former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto.

Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh is also confirmed to be vying for a spot on the CEC.

National adviser Tan Kok Wai, national treasurer Fong Kui Lun, and party veteran Phee Boon Poh have withdrawn from the running.

About 15 women are expected to stand for election, including party veteran Seputeh MP Teresa Kok, Tanjung MP and deputy finance minister Lim Hui Ying, youth and sports minister Hannah Yeoh, deputy communications minister Teo Nie Ching, Puchong MP Yeo Bee Yin, and Kluang MP Wong Shu Qi.

The others are Lanang MP Alice Lau, who is also a Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker, Sandakan MP Vivian Wong and Damansara Utama assemblyman Jamaliah Jamaluddin.