JOHOR BARU: Businessman JR Deepak Jaikishan (pic) has opted not to contest the Pulai parliamentary seat in the 15th General Election (GE15) under the Perikatan Nasional banner.
Deepak said that while he had “graciously” chosen to drop out as a Gerakan candidate, he would still be contesting during the election and hinted he might do so under a different coalition's ticket.
"I have realised over the last 48 hours that my courage and no holds barred direct attacks against corrupt kleptocrats and their sympathisers is more appreciated by true champions of democracy.
ALSO READ: GE15: Deepak out, local boy Loh to contest in Pulai for PN
"I have today chosen to join a coalition that embraces my political views and is unafraid to be the true guardians and warriors of our beloved nation to fight and protect against corrupt kleptocrats.
"I will be filling my nomination tomorrow (Nov 5) and speak more about my vision and plans for a Malaysia that is braver and stronger," he said in a statement here on Friday (Nov 4).
When asked if he would be contesting the Pulai seat, he replied in a text that he would give more updates on the matter on Nomination Day.
Earlier, The Star reported that Perikatan Nasional had made a last-minute switch on its candidate for the Pulai seat where Tebrau Gerakan division chief Loh Kah Yong would be fielded instead of Deepak.
ALSO READ: GE15: Deepak remains as Pulai candidate, says Johor PN
This came just hours after state Perikatan Election director Rasman Ithnain denied talks of Deepak being replaced with another candidate.
"The decision was just made yesterday (Nov 3) after discussion among central leaders.
"For now, it has been confirmed that I will be contesting the seat but I will leave it to the leadership to decide if there will be further changes," Loh said when contacted earlier.
On Wednesday (Nov 2), Johor Gerakan chairman Datuk Teo Kok Chee said that its party president Datuk Dr Dominic Lau had named someone else to contest for Gerakan in Pulai.
ALSO READ: GE15: Perikatan reconsiders JR Deepak's candidacy for the Pulai parliamentary seat
He said that the decision to change the candidate was made soon after the announcement of Perikatan candidates by Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin on Tuesday (Nov 1) night.
Deepak, who owns a carpet business, became a well known figure in local politics after claiming both Datuk Seri Najib Razak and Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor were involved in the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.
He had also sued Najib and Rosmah over an alleged conspiracy that he claimed led to him suffering losses.
However, his case was thrown out by the Court of Appeal on Oct 8.
