Summary

  • PKR deputy secretary-general Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan announces he’s contesting the PKR vice-president post, making him the eighth leader in the running.

  • He says decision was derived from the intention to help the party woo more support from the younger generation and professionals.

PKR deputy secretary-general Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan has become the latest party leader to offer himself as a vice-president candidate for the upcoming party polls.

In a statement, Sathia said he decided to enter the contest after seeking advice from friends and other party leaders, and a discussion with the Hulu Selangor PKR division of which he is the chief.

The medical doctor-cum-businessperson believed that by being a vice-president, he could better help PKR garner the support of voters from the younger generation and professionals.

"I will ensure that the voice of grassroots party members would be heard better when it comes to the party decision-making process, and ensure every party member would get the opportunity to contribute to the party.

"I also want to ensure that PKR does not only remain as a member of a coalition but becomes a party that spearheads development in Malaysia, with stronger policies and capable of winning the heart of all rakyat," he said.

To run for the post, Sathia will also resign from being the director of PKR National Congress 2025 to avoid any conflict of interest.

"I believe the party leadership can appoint another individual who is suitable to shoulder this responsibility," he added.

The PKR central leadership council has nine vice-president positions, four of which are elected positions and three are appointed by the president after the party election.

The other two positions are ex-officio positions for the chiefs of its youth and women’s wings.

Eight so far in the running

Sathia is the eighth party member to have announced candidacy for the senior leadership role.

According to previous news reports, five incumbents have stated their resolve to defend their vice-president posts - Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang, and Nurul Izzah Anwar.

Another two incumbents - Deputy National Unity Minister K Saraswathy and former Putatan MP Awang Husaini Sahari - have yet to reveal whether or not they will join the fray.

Others vying for the role include PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil and PKR deputy information chief R Ramanan.

The party polls are set to be held on May 24.

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Ramanan to contest PKR veep post

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