The former student activist will be challenging Batu MP P Prabakaran, who has held the post since May 2022, when he defeated his predecessor Tian Chua.

Asheeq said the upcoming party polls is crucial to ensure PKR is led by a strong team in facing the next general elections (GE16).

“The party machinery must be strong to ensure that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim remains as prime minister for another term.

“As a former student activist, and now a lawyer, I have always fought for human rights, social justice and the rule of law. So, I joined PKR with the main objective of strengthening the party at the grassroots level,” he said in a statement.

Asheeq said Batu was once seen as a key area for PKR in the Federal Territory as it was at the heart of the “reformasi” movement, adding that he wants the division “to return to those glory days”.

“That is why we need a fresh and more dynamic approach to how the Batu PKR division is led,” he said.

He added that his main focus was on serving the people, regardless of race or their social status, and especially helping them on the local issues that affect them.

“I am confident that with the support of the members in the division, we can return Batu PKR to its rightful position as the pillar of the ‘reformasi’ movement in the Federal Territory,” Asheeq said.

PKR is scheduled to hold division-level elections from April 11 to 20, and its central leadership elections on May 24.