Trouble in Kapar PKR division

(The Star) –  Trouble is brewing in the Kapar PKR division, with Kapar MP S. Manikavasagam being slammed by the party’s division chief for confirming his candidacy in the next general election.

Kapar PKR division chief Azizi Ayob hit out at Manikavasagam for allegedly telling the Tamil media on July 7 that he would be defending the Kapar parliamentary constituency.

Azizi said the announcement was “wild and made unilaterally” without consulting the division.

“As per the PKR Cabang Kapar, we have sent in our shortlisted candidate to the PKR state election director and the incumbent Kapar MP’s statement that he will be contesting again in Kapar in GE 13 is unbecoming.

“He is also not allowed to give press statement on the issue of candidacy,” said Azizi in a statement.

He also alleged that Manikavasagam’s actions had violated the party constitution.

In an immediate response, Manikavasagam, who is the vice-chairman in the division, said Azizi was sore that he did not get picked as a state constituency coordinator.

He said the division committee had never met officially to discuss the election candidates, and only “coffeeshop” meetings were held.

“We should have a meeting every month. I am the number two man in the cabang. But they never checked with me on the candidates list,” he said.

He also clarified that he only voiced his interest in defending the Kapar seat to the Tamil media, and the final decision would be made by the party leadership.

“I am the incumbent. I want to contest. Why can’t I say I am interested?

“Azizi cannot read Tamil. He must read the article carefully, all the way to the end,” he said.