Spotlighting his six-year track record as Selangor’s menteri besar, Abdul Khalid Ibrahim has expressed confidence in securing the deputy president post in the upcoming PKR party polls.

 

He also reportedly claims to have PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim’s backing in his intention to contest for deputy presidency.

 

“My strength is in my track record of honesty and dedication. Most importantly, the goal of contesting (in the party election) is to bring revival …

“When warriors approach the arena but is not confident of victory, he would not enter the fray,” he was quoted as saying in Sinar Harian today.

 

He reportedly said this at a press conference after opening the Selangor Malay Silat, Weapons and Heritage fair in Shah Alam yesterday.

 

However, he said he would no longer discuss his candidacy and focus on the Kajang by-election until on March 23.

 

Khalid, who is also the Kajang election director for PKR, said he merely wanted to express readiness to contest for the post, and does not want the party machinery to be distracted by speculation regarding the party elections.

 

Meanwhile, Sinar Harian also reports that PKR women’s chief Zuraida Kamaruddin ( right ) is questioning the timing of Khalid’s announcement on Friday that he will contest in the party polls.

 

“There is no problem with him contesting because we are a democracy, but his announcement is too early.

 

“If possible, he should announce it after the by-election. We don’t want it to affect our campaigning,” she said.

 

The party elections are slated to begin in April and will run into early May.

 

Incumbent deputy president and Selangor Backbenchers Club chief Azmin Ali had been at odds with Khalid for some time.

 

Thus far, Azmin has yet to announce his intentions regarding the party election.