Saifuddin to sit out PKR deputy presidency race

Summary

• Harapan sec-gen Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will not contest the PKR deputy president’s post.

• This leaves only Nurul Izzah Anwar and incumbent Rafizi Ramli as candidates for the post.

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will not be contesting the PKR deputy president’s post, his aide confirmed today.

Saifuddin’s special functions officer Omar Mokhtar A Manap said the decision was made following consultations with various quarters, including the PKR party leadership.

“He reminded us that we should remain firm in our cause, work hard to strengthen the party, and prioritise two issues: Win the 16th general election, and make Anwar Ibrahim the prime minister for a second term,” he said in a statement today.

The announcement was made just hours before nominations for PKR central leadership positions close at 11.59pm tonight.

So far, the only two contenders for deputy presidency are Rafizi Ramli, who is defending his post, and Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah.

Anwar is so far the only candidate for PKR presidency and is expected to win uncontested.

Previously, Berita Harian quoted sources claiming that Saifuddin will not run for deputy presidency to give way to Nurul Izzah.

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