Appointment of PKR leaders to key posts nothing to do with Azmin as MB, says Anwar

(The Star) – The appointment of several PKR leaders to key post in the party’s central committee has nothing to do with its deputy president Azmin Ali helming the Selangor Menteri Besar post.

PKR leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the appointments were based on the decision of PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail following the party elections.

“The appointments are for the new committee.

“It was done as we had yet to make appointments following conclusion of party elections,” he told reporters when met at the lobby of Dewan Rakyat Monday.

Party’s vice president Rafizi Ramli was appointed as its new secretary-general replacing Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Asked if there was any conflict for Rafizi to hold two to posts in the committee, Anwar said that the were no party regulations preventing against such appointments.

He also confirmed that Azmin had relinquished his post as party election director as he wanted to focus on his responsibilities as Selangor Mentri Besar.

“However, owing to his experience as the previous director, Azmin will continue to monitor the portfolio,” he added.

Saifuddin and vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar have been appointed as Election co-directors of the party, while Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin takes over from Rafizi as the party’s strategic director.

The decision was made at a political bureau and central leadership council meetings, that were chaired by Dr Wan Azizah on Sunday night.

When pressed to confirmed details of other key appointments, Anwar said that the list of appointments would be released soon.

It was learned that two new vice-presidents were also appointed and they are Sri Andalas assemblyman Dr Xavier Jayakumar and Penampang MP Darell Leiking.

The party has yet to appoint the third vice-president but it is believed that the position is reserved for a Malay academic.