Zaid Ibrahim, a convenient candidate

ARCHIVES 2010

By admin-s On Apr 16, 2010

Zaid Ibrahim may easily be the best possible candidate for Hulu Selangor by election. After all, he is a former minister, highly principled, a well known face nationally, a corporate figure and a high ranking political figure in his party.

Not only he may be the best, but also the most convenient candidate for Anwar Ibrahim and his team.

By Rizzku

Hulu Selangor constituency is won by PKR in the last election by a razor thin majority of just 198. What is more baffling is the fact that all three state seats within the Hulu Selangor parliamentary seat are won by BN candidates. PKR cannot therefore foresee this election as for them to win. It is as good as saying, they have won the seat in the previous election by fluke!

So, here comes Zaid Ibrahim. A heavy weight from PKR, so they said. PKR may be anticipating that Palanivel (another heavy weight) of MIC would be fielded in BN seat, thus thrusting a ‘clash of titans’ in the election. Is there another hidden agendas for PKR to field Zaid Ibrahim?

Lets see.

Zaid Ibrahim is a relatively new member in PKR. He was previously in UMNO and a member of the cabinet. He abandoned BN on a very noble principle of protesting against the use of ISA on several people, including to one journalist purportedly ‘for her own protection’. Zaid soon join the PKR team and rose to the rank of importance within the party. In fact, it was not too long ago when existing member of PKR was said to be not too happy with his quick ascension. This is no less than the Vice President of the party himself (Azmin Ali).

What about Anwar? Despite of his protracted trial in the court of law, not to mention the possibility of him going back to jail, he has not been very vocal about his possible successor. Many voices were heard to urge him to name a person to proverbially carry the torch when he is no more around. In fact, some favouring Zaid Ibrahim himself to helm the leadership of PKR. Just imagine how much feathers in PKR need to be ruffled if that is to happen.

In short, Zaid Ibrahim has been both a pillar and thorn in PKR. Both Anwar and Azmin undoubtedly happy that Zaid is in their ranks, but at the same time cannot help but worry about the threat Zaid is posing to their position.

So why field Zaid Ibrahim in Hulu Selangor? Will this not even quicken his ascension and credibility within PKR. If he win (that is a big IF), he will be a parliamentarian and as such he will be qualified to any post in PKR as well as within Pakatan Rakyat coalition. Nothing could stop him anymore.