Penang state executive council member Dr Afif Bahardin will be contesting the PKR national deputy Youth chief’s post, after the youth wings in four states threw their support behind him.

Afif, who is also Seberang Jaya assemblyperson, announced his decision today at the Dato Badawi Hall in Butterworth, and teams up with Batu Caves assemblyperson Amirudin Shari, who is eying the PKR Youth chief post.

The Penang PKR Youth chief is supported by youth divisions in Perak, Kedah, Selangor, and Penang, whose representatives were present in a show of solidarity.

“I made my decision to offer myself for the post after getting the support and blessings from the Penang Youth division and those from other states, too,” he said.

“Although it is a tough burden, but we in the Youth wing are here to strengthen, solidify and continue the reformasi agenda in PKR and in the country, we are here to carry on and promote the aspirations of the youths,” he added.

Afif, 28 ( right in photo ), said he was better-known as the Seberang Jaya assemblyperson and state executive councillor on health, agriculture and rural development, but he had his origins in the Youth wing in Penang, starting his political career from the grassroots.

He heaped praises on former state Youth wing chief Amir Ghazali, 40, who gave up his post as he has crossed the party’s 35-year-old age limit ruling.

He gave an assurance that the wing has representatives in all levels of societies - as municipal councillors, state assemblypersons and MPs to carry forward the party’s reformasi agenda.

His team will start by campaigning in Kajang starting March 11, nomination day, until March 23, polling day, to ensure the victory of their boss, PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim.

The team will go house-to-house in Kajang to try and win votes for Anwar, who is also Permatang Pauh MP and parliamentary opposition leader.

On whether he can focus on his state exco job, Afif said, “That is the mandate of the people which I will carry out, but we also need to strengthen the party.”

On what makes his team winnable, Afif said “we have a mix of old and new faces”, adding there was continuity in the wing as well as fresh ideas to rejuvenate the Youth wing.

Amirduddin to announce his team by Feb 15

During his speech, Amirudin said he is grateful to note that those who are currently in the Youth wing are those who are loyal to the party.

“We are the benefactors and the fighters of reformasi, we continue to be loyal to this struggle and the party although we are constantly attacked by others,” Amirudin, 34 ( at podium ), told the 100-odd crowd.

Amiruddin said he will announce the list of his entire team by Feb 15.

On efforts to oust Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim from his post, Amirudin said, “He is still the MB.”

“If indeed there are efforts, we will be organising demonstrations like Umno.”

So far three candidates have announced their candidacy to take over from outgoing chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin.

Other than Amirudin,  Mohd Nazree Mohd Yunus has declared his candidacy for the post.

It is learnt that Seri Setia assemblyperson Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad will be announcing his intention to contest the Youth chief’s post soon.

Shamsul Iskandar is bowing out of the race to comply with the party’s ruling to limit the age of Youth wing members to 35.