Outgoing PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamarudin has said that for the Rantau by-election, she will propose two women candidates to be considered as the party’s contestant. 

“For the Rantau by-election, I think since there were no women chosen as candidates in Negeri Sembilan (in the 14th general election), I will propose a female candidate in Rantau.

“Negeri Sembilan is very particular about having a Negeri Sembilan candidate so (I will get) a Negeri Sembilan ‘gal’ to contest.

“I have two names that I can propose (to the party leadership), (both are) Negeri Sembilan-born and capable women,” she told the media after delivering her speech at the PKR Wanita congress in Shah Alam, Selangor.

When asked why PKR’s GE14 Rantau candidate Dr S Streram was not her choice, she reiterated that the state needed a female candidate in its line-up.

“I hope the party will consider a female candidate for Negeri Sembilan,” she added.

In GE14, former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Mohamad Hasan had retained the Rantau seat uncontested after Streram was not allowed to file his nomination papers on April 28.

This morning, the Election Court in Seremban heard Streram's challenge and nullified the result, ordering the state seat to be vacated and triggering a by-election.

Zuraida, a close ally of PKR incumbent deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali, brushed off an allegation her their camp was propagating lies about Azmin’s rival Rafizi Ramli being considered for the Rantau seat.

“The party has not discussed a candidate for the seat yet. The (court decision) only came out today.

“That’s just speculation,” she said.

New women’s chief Haniza concurs

Later, newly minted Wanita chief Haniza Talha (photo) said she agreed with Zuraida’s suggestion, vowing to “seize the moment” and use the opportunity as a way increase female representation in politics.

“No offence, but I see this as a chance for us to increase the number of women in decision-making positions. Especially in states that we just took over,” Haniza told a press conference after the new Wanita lineup for 2018-2021 was announced in Shah Alam today.

Rafizi, who contested against Azmin for the PKR number two post in the 2018 party polls, has called for Streram to be fielded again in Rantau.

“Streram had worked so hard to service the constituents there. He was victimised when he was stopped from filing his candidacy.

“The best person to stand in Rantau is Streram. And I will campaign hard for him,” Rafizi had said. 

Umno, meanwhile, field its deputy president Mohamad again.