Summary

  • A senior aide denies internal sabotage claims after Saifuddin Nasution Ismail withdrew from the PKR deputy presidency race.

  • Tanjong Karang PKR chief Yahya Mat Sahri says Saifuddin willingly stepped aside to allow Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest against Rafizi Ramli.

  • PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has ‘bigger plans’ for Saifuddin, potentially in preparing for the next GE, the aide adds.

A senior aide to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has dismissed claims of internal sabotage following the PKR leader’s decision to stay out of the party’s deputy presidency contest.

Tanjong Karang PKR division chief Yahya Mat Sahri expressed confidence that supporters of Saifuddin within the party accepted the decision without issue.

Yahya, who is contesting for a seat in the party’s central leadership council, said he also believes party president Anwar Ibrahim has “bigger plans” for Saifuddin, who stepped aside to allow vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar to challenge incumbent Rafizi Ramli.

“He (Saifuddin) has always, from the beginning, been obedient and loyal to whatever is advised by the president,” Yahya told reporters in Johor Bahru, where PKR leaders and members are gathered for the party’s national congress this weekend.

“From what I understand, following a central leadership council meeting, one of the outcomes was the need for Saifuddin and Rafizi to have discussions - meaning if there were to be a contest, it had to be a healthy one.

“I believe discussions with Rafizi were held, followed by more discussions with the president. When Nurul Izzah also decided to contest, Saifuddin gave way,” he added.

According to Yahya, Saifuddin then instructed grassroots party machinery to throw their support behind Nurul Izzah.

He was responding to speculation that Saifuddin had been “sabotaged” into withdrawing his nomination for the party’s number two post.

The central-level election for the 2025–2028 term is being held in conjunction with the ongoing congress.

Key role for GE, Sabah polls

Asked about Anwar’s plans for Saifuddin, Yahya said he believes the Pakatan Harapan secretary-general will retain his post.

PM Anwar Ibrahim and Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail

“That’s actually a very important position heading into the general election. It’s the most crucial task, even more than a party position.

“Because in elections, it’s not just PKR, DAP, Amanah or Upko contesting - it’s Harapan. That’s what needs to be strengthened and solidified,” he pointed out.

Yahya added that the president is expected to assign Saifuddin a key role in preparing for both the 16th general election and the upcoming Sabah state polls.

“That’s the main task as the Harapan secretary-general (has to figure out) how to coordinate the coalition between Harapan and BN, possibly with GRS as well, to form the Sabah government,” he said.

Saifuddin was initially speculated to challenge Rafizi for the deputy presidency, before a wave of endorsements from state PKR chapters and individual leaders encouraged Nurul Izzah to step into the race.

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