Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice-presidents Tian Chua and Saifuddin Nasution have chosen not to contest any of the posts in the party's inaugural election this weekend.

Secretary general Mustapha Kamil Ayub today revealed that the two leaders, who are also well known reformists, are not among the six people who have agreed to contest the three vice-presidents' seats.

He said Saifuddin had obtained nominations to fill the post of vice-president as well as supreme council member, but had declined to contest.

"Those running for vice-presidents are incumbents Azmin Ali and former Penang mufti Sheikh Azmi Ahmad, as well as R Sivarasa, N Gobalakrishnan, Abdul Rahman Yusof and Dr Lee Boon Chye," Mustapha said at a press conference held at the party's headquarters in Shah Alam.

The two were among key people who had worked to set up Parti Keadilan Nasional, before it was merged with Parti Rakyat Malaysian (PRM) on Aug 3 last year.

'Ready to serve'

Saifuddin when contacted declined to reveal the reason behind his decision.

"I think it's best that I leave it at that. I am still a party member so, not much has changed," he said.

Asked if he was not afraid that his silence would be misinterpreted, he said he is ready to face the consequences.

"Well, people may say things but I know that rumours and speculation are some of the many challenges I have to face as a politician...and I am ready."

Tian, however, had no qualms about revealing his reason. He said he wanted to send a message to supporters that party leaders, unlike those in other parties, do not attach much importance to posts.

"The vice-president's post means nothing. What is important is that we will still be able to serve the party. I think those who have declined to contest, including Saifuddin, feel the same way. So our decision should not surprise anyone," he said.

"I am willing to continue serving the party in whatever capacity assigned to me. Just because I am not theVP does not mean I can no longer help the party."

Tian said he hoped that delegates would be mature enough to elect a multi-racial team as this would help the party make further inroads among the professionals, non-Malays and middle class voters.

"As a new party practising new politics, we must send a positive message to our supporters.

I am not shy to say that I have pushed very hard for people like Sivarasa and Dr Lee to be in the forefront because I believe they can attract people into the party ," he said.

'Equal footing'

At the press conference, Mustapha said Permatang Pauh member of Parliament Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail would be endorsed as PKR president when delegates meet on Saturday. All the divisions have unanimously nominated her for the post.

Party permanent chairperson Abdul Rahman Kader has also been returned unopposed.

"There will be a straight fight between incumbent Dr Syed Husin Ali and Abdul Rahman Othman (now a supreme council member) for the post of deputy president," he said.

Mustapha refused to reveal the number of nominations they have obtained, stating that party leaders have decided to keep the information confidential.

"We feel that the information should not be made public, so that all candidates (can contest on an) equal footing in the election," he said.

He also said that 52 candidates are vying for the 20 seats in the supreme council, adding that the majority of the incumbents have decided to defend their seats.

PKR Wanita chief Fuziah Salleh will be challenged by supreme council member Animah Annette Ferrar.

It will be a three-cornered fight for the Wanita deputy chief's post between incumbent Irene Fernnadez, Zuraida Kamaruddin and Zainon Jaafar.

He said the election would be closely monitored by a five-member committee headed by former Kampar MP and political analysis James Wong Wing On.

"The committee will help ensure that all candidates and supporters adhere to the new code of ethics which took effect from Oct 17."

The congress will be held on Saturday, a day after the joint Youth and Wanita assembly at Tow Boo Keong Hall in Ipoh. About 1,600 delegates are expected to attend.

Among the highlights will be Anwar Ibrahim's speech, his first as PKR adviser.