After steamrolling through a decision to contest in the Machap by-election, DAP is now hoping for PKR's assistance and active participation.

Both parties publicly signalled their intention to contest the seat, but on Tuesday, the DAP staked its claim before PKR could convene to decide on the matter.

PKR later gave way but vowed to stake its claim on the seat for the upcoming general election.

In welcoming the move, DAP vice-president M Kulasegaran said PKR's decision to bow down paves way for a straight fight against Barisan Nasional's candidate.

"(This) augurs well for inter-party cooperation between both party leadership as well as enhance the goodwill between the members of the two parties for future collaboration.

"DAP believes that PKR leaders and members would actively participate and assist in this by-election campaign to ensure a winning performance against BN and welcome any inputs by PKR in this by-election," " said Kulasegaran in a statement today.

He added that both parties have 'shared objectives' in the by-election in granting Machap constituents the opportunity to represent all Malaysians in demonstrating their disapproval of BN's 'mid-term report card'.

PKR to provide 'support'

In an immediate response, PKR information chief Tian Chua told malaysiakini that the party would help DAP to ensure an opposition victory.

"We will provide support, but would not directly be participating in the campaign," said Chua, adding that PKR would ensure that its members vote for DAP.

On talks that PKR was disappointed over DAP's unilateral decision to stake a claim for the seat, Chua said, "We did not express such".

The Machap state seat fell vacant after Poh Ah Tiam, 55, passed away on March 15.

Poh, who was also Malacca MCA chief and a state executive councillor, was undefeated for two terms.

Nominations for the Machap state by-election will be held on April 3 and polling on April 12.