PKR polls to see keen contest
PKR women chief Zuraida Kamaruddin may be challenged by Selangor exco Rodziah Ismail, while Selangor deputy speaker Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad may square off Batu Caves assemblyman Amiruddin Shaari for the youth chief post.
G Vinod, FMT
The upcoming PKR party polls, scheduled in April, will see a tight race for the four elected vice president slots.
“It is most likely that PKR vice presidents Nurul Izzah Anwar, Tian Chua and Fuziah Salleh will defend their posts.
“But we will see more candidates throwing their hats in for the race, especially from the Indian members,” said a party source.
Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, said the source, also seems to be keen to contest for the party vice presidency slot.
Rafizi who is often referred to as, “hot stuff’ in Malaysian politics, is an outspoken leader seen by many grassroots members as one of the next echelon of PKR leaders who can take on Umno.
“PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim likes him. Even if Rafizi loses his bid, he will definitely get a senior post in the party via appointment,” said the source.
Commenting on the party’s Indian leaders, the source said that former Selangor exco Dr Xavier Jeyakumar and Subang MP R Sivarasa may join the foray.
Lesser known leaders such as PKR supreme council member MR Summugam, also known as Dr Shan and former Puchong PKR division chief S Murali are also said to be eyeing for the vice president posts.
The source added that the duo are already in talks with some grassroots leaders in order to garner support.
Murali is the PKR leader that was involved in a brawl with MIC members outside the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) last year.
As for the PKR Wanita chief post, the source said that Selangor exco, Rodziah Ismail may challenge incumbent Zuraida Kamaruddin for the spot.
Rodziah is seen as an ally to Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, while Zuraida is one of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali’s trusted lieutenants.
