Rafizi defends PKR’s choice of candidates

He denies that Anwar was making unilateral decisions.

Priscilla Prasena, FMT

PKR today rejected allegations that party boss Anwar Ibrahim was making unilateral decisions in the choice of candidates for the general election.

Responding to a FMT report quoting grassroots leaders, PKR strategy director Rafizi Ramli said candidates were chosen by a committee in a tough process to ensure that only the best were fielded.

He acknowledged that the committee was headed by Anwar but said its decisions were preceded by “consultations at every level” of the PKR leadership.

“The committee then goes through the list thoroughly and identifies the best potential winning candidates,” he added.

Yesterday, some divisional leaders of the party complained that Anwar was picking his close associates for candidacy instead of personalities with good records of service to the public.

Rafizi said the candidates chosen by Anwar’s committee would have gone through a “difficult and delicate” process of vetting. Among the criteria for selection was their “clout of influence” with the constituents they were supposed to represent, he added.

He said these criteria did not include the strength of a potential candidate’s friendship with Anwar.

“This thorough process will definitely result in dissatisfaction among several leaders as they might feel that they could do a better job,” he said.

“Anwar spends time with local leaders to rationalise on his decision to pick the best candidates for his party.

“At the same time, we can’t please everyone, and there will be groups who will express their dissatisfaction.”

Rafizi also disclosed that about 20% of PKR’s candidates would be from outside the party. He said these candidates also had to undergo the gruelling selection process.