Azmin: PKR polls an internal matter, no need for public debate among candidates

Tarani Palani, Fz.com

PKR deputy president Azmin Ali does not see the need for candidates running for party posts to engage in public debate, saying the contest is an “internal party matter”.

“We can settle it internally. This is not about competition but who has (more to) offer. All candidates (have something to) offer.

“This matter is not for the media to judge but by the party members themselves. This is not the general election but party election. We will not allow Utusan Malaysia, TV3 or other media portals to decide,” he told reporters at the Parliament lobby today.

Azmin is locked in a six-corner fight for the party number two post. The others eyeing the post are Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, outgoing party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, incumbent vice-president Tian Chua, Hulu Selangor branch member Datuk K Ramachandran, and former Puchong division chief S Murali.

However, there was speculation today that Tian Chua may consider pulling out of the race and assume the secretary-general post instead.

Azmin declined to comment on this latest development, telling reporters to wait till April 10 which is the deadline for candidates to withdraw from the race.

He also denied claims that party de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s move to go for the party presidency, against incumbent president Datin Sri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was aimed at blocking him (Azmin) from going for the number one post.

Many have speculated that Anwar will withdraw from the race, leaving Wan Azizah, who is also his wife, to securely hold on to the position. It was reported earlier that Azmin planned to take on Wan Azizah for the president’s post.

When he was asked to comment on it today, Azmin simply said: “It’s not true”.

Azmin who has been a long-time Anwar loyalist said that he decided to defend his deputy president post after discussions with his party colleagues.