Saifuddin may not contest PKR deputy presidency - report

Summary

• Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail may not be contesting for the PKR deputy presidency, Berita Harian says.

• A source tells the daily that the home minister is giving way to Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the post.

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail may not be contesting for the PKR deputy presidency, Berita Harian reported yesterday.

Quoting a source, Saifuddin made the decision to allow PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar to challenge the incumbent, Rafizi Ramli.

“As of now, he (Saifuddin) is not (contesting). He is giving way to (Nurul) Izzah,” the source said briefly.

As PKR leaders endorse Nurul Izzah to contest for the party deputy presidency by the day, the former Permatang Pauh MP has yet to confirm her decision.

On May 7, Nurul Izzah merely mentioned that she would make "the best decision" that balances unity with reform.

"I shall make the best decision balancing between consensus, relationships and friendships, and meaningful change and reform for all members.

“We make these decisive statements not for any individual, but for the effort to build the future of PKR together through good times and bad. God willing," she added.

Rafizi unfazed

On the same day, incumbent Rafizi said he would defend his post and welcomed challengers.

He also mentioned that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and Saifuddin had advised him to do so.

"I welcome competition for the PKR deputy president post in this election and will join other candidates in using this election platform to strengthen the party.

“It is a win-win decision for me," the economy minister added.

As of yesterday, there are still no candidates for PKR presidency and deputy presidency, although nominations for central leadership positions in the party have opened since early yesterday.

A check by Malaysiakini as of 8.30pm yesterday via the PKR election website found no nominations submitted for the party’s two top posts.

The nomination process is conducted online. Leaders intending to contest have until 11.59pm today to submit their nominations.

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