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The Segamat incumbent said: "It is a professional decision.
"Cooling off period," he told Sinar Daily.
"I wanted voters to select new a MP and compare the service record after the 3rd year.
"Not keen to split votes, and let the giants to fight...BN vs PH vs PN in this election. My team will continue to function under NGO banner @ Segamat," he added.
Last week, PBM announced that Santhara will defend his Segamat seat won in 2018 polls under Pakatan Harapan ticket.
On Oct 1, Santhara joined PBM after quitting Bersatu.