PKR nominations: Tian Chua to go for number 2 post

(The Star) – Incumbent PKR vice-president Tian Chua has confirmed that he is vying for the deputy president’s post in the upcoming party elections.

Speaking to reporters here Saturday, the Batu MP said he was one of the party pioneers and has held senior posts in the party since its inception.

“I was the first vice-president in the party and have remained so since the foundation. In terms of seniority, I am more senior than other candidates,” he said when asked about his chances against other party top guns.

“Am I not a top gun, too?” he asked.

The Star speculated earlier that the deputy presidency would be a four-way contest that also included incumbent Azmin Ali, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim (pic below).

However, Chua said that the crowded race reflected healthy competition within the party.

“The party has wisely instituted democratic culture where every member has a say. The party will be stronger and more united,” he said.

Khalid, who filed his nomination papers at 10.30am, said he hoped for a fair and clean fight.

“I don’t want to comment much on this but the contestants need to be ethical and practise what they preach,” he said.

Kuantan MP Fuziah Salleh was also present to file her nominations to defend her position as vice-president for the third term running.

Rodziah Ismail with some of her supporters.

Meanwhile, Batu Tiga assemblywoman and Selangor state exco Rodziah Ismail filed her nomination papers for the Wanita PKR top post.

She is expected to go against incumbent Zuraida Kamaruddin, who is also the Ampang MP.