PKR MP Tian Chua today withdrew from the party deputy president race and announced that he will instead defend his vice-president’s post.

However, he denied that he was siding with any faction in the party polls which will take place next month.

"I met with all the deputy president candidates and explained my mission and vision...I am confident (the candidates) understand and are able to uphold them.

"Therefore, I have made the decision to only defend the vice-president’s post," he said at a special press conference in Kuala Lumpur today.

Deputy president candidate Saifuddin Nasution ( right ) was among PKR candidates present to give Chua moral support.

Saifuddin had announced that he is teaming up with vice president candidates Nurul Izzah Anwar, Fuziah Salleh and Rafizi Ramli for the 'one-member one-vote' race.

Other leaders present were Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tsin and Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia (SAMM) Chief Coordinator Badrul Hisham Shaharin.

Tian added that those who came merely supported him and it did not mean that he would join their cliques.

"They are individuals who are supporting me. Before this I attended Saifuddin's campaign launch, now he’s at mine. I am glad that friends and even competitors came to give support," he said.

Meanwhile, Saifuddin said Tian is a great asset for PKR but confirmed he is not officially part of his group.

He said Tian is a comrade in spirit and shared the same vision for the party.

Five leaders are still in the race for deputy president post including Saifuddin, Selangor MB Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and incumbent Azmin Ali.