Kuang rep denies challenging party directive by contesting veep post

Rafiq Abdullah says he has offered himself for one of the three vice-president’s posts to uphold democracy in the party.

(FMT) – Selangor Bersatu deputy chief Rafiq Abdullah has dismissed claims that he was challenging party directives by contesting for a vice-president’s position at the party polls next month.

The Kuang assemblyman said he offered himself for one of the three vice-president’s posts to uphold democracy in the party.

“I’m running because I meet the eligibility requirements. The president (Muhyiddin Yassin) had only suggested (a formula).

“He did not issue a directive (that there should be no contest for the top five positions, including vice-president).

“I’m contesting to ensure democracy thrives in the party so delegates can choose the leaders they want,” he told FMT, rejecting claims that the contest would cause divisions within Bersatu.

“We’re contesting as a family, with integrity and mutual respect … no slander or bribery.

“Those who lose will not leave the party,” he added.

Current vice-presidents Beluran MP Ronald Kiandee and Putrajaya MP Radzi Jidin will be defending their posts, while deputy president Ahmad Faizal Azumu will also be vying for a spot.

Besides Rafiq, another two have thrown their hats into the ring for the vice-president’s post, namely Bersatu information chief Razali Idris and Batu Kawan Bersatu chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.

In July, Muhyiddin reportedly said the Bersatu Supreme Council had given him the mandate to hold negotiations among party leaders to ensure the party elections do not lead to divisions.

Under his formula, Faizal would not defend his position as deputy president, making way for Hamzah Zainudin, who is the parliamentary opposition leader, to take over the post, while Selangor opposition leader Azmin Ali would replace Hamzah as party secretary-general.

Muhyiddin had initially announced at Bersatu’s annual convention in November that he would step down. However, he backtracked the next day, saying his wife advised him to stay on to avoid disappointing Bersatu members.

Following the conclusion of nominations earlier this week, Muhyiddin and Hamzah remain unchallenged as president and deputy president.