PETALING JAYA, Oct 26 — Incumbent Damansara MP Tony Pua announced tonight he will not be seeking re-election in the 15th general election.

Pua explained that the decision not to defend the federal seat was his personal choice.

"Tonight, it pains me to announce I will not contest in the upcoming general election.

"(DAP secretary-general) Anthony Loke and state chief Gobind Singh Deo have done their part to try to persuade me to continue, but it's my decision alone, which was made many years ago, to step down,” he said during a party fundraising dinner at the MBPJ Stadium carpark here.

Vowing not to "disappear into the horizon and sail far away into the sunset,” Pua said he will continue to help the party achieve its goal in GE15.

Moving forward, he said he would work in the background of the party, such as by formulating policies and contributing to its organisation.

However, Pua promised to take an active role once again when the party succeeds in forming the new federal government.

Later, Loke would describe Pua as one of the "most hardworking MPs” in Malaysia and recorded his sincerest appreciation to the former Selangor DAP chief.

"He had mentioned to me many months ago about his intention,” Loke told attendees.

At this point, a man in the crowd interrupted Loke’s speech, exclaiming "Why!” and "We want Tony Pua!”

Loke said he, Gobind, and DAP chairman Lim Guan Eng all tried their best to convince Pua to reconsider, but without success.

"Not many people can change his mind. It is the consistency of his decision,” Loke said.

Loke also denied that Pua’s choice was due to the recent party’s central executive committee (CEC) election, in which the latter failed to make a cut.

"He (Pua) said after 15 years, he is a bit tired and want to spend more time behind the scenes and on the golf course.

"Someone told me he wants to be professional golfer,” Loke said in jest.

Pua was formerly a two-term MP for Petaling Jaya Utara from 2008 to 2013, before the seat was changed to Damansara in a redelineation exercise in 2018.

Gobind, who is incumbent Puchong MP, will contest as candidate in Damansara following Pua’s decision to not seek re-election.