PKR polls: Others have factions but I’m open about it, says Saifuddin

PETALING JAYA: PKR deputy president hopeful Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said his contenders, incumbent deputy president Azmin Ali and Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, have factions.

“If you follow them closely (on their campaign trail), you can see their own followers.

"That is also considered a pact, only I chose to announce it openly,” he said at a press conference at PKR headquarters here on Monday.

On Sunday, Azmin warned against formation of alliances, groupings and cartels, stressing it would not augur well for the future of the party.

Azmin said this while responding to the formation of a pact by Saifuddin with vice-president candidates Nurul Izzah Anwar, Rafizi Ramli, Tian Chua, Fuziah Salleh and Badrul Hisham Shaharin.

According to Saifuddin, the leaders in his camp reflected the youth’s needs as they have a good track record, while Rafizi and Nurul have done well as Members of Parliament.

“This is the kind of succession plan we want to represent the party in the future,” he said.

Azmin has reportedly been seen together with incumbent Women chief candidate Zuraida Kamaruddin and Youth chief candidate Amiruddin Shari. He has also received backing from Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani.

Another Youth chief candidate Nazree Yunus and Wanita chief aspirant Rodziah Ismail, were said to be in Khalid’s camp.

However, party observers believed Saifuddin could be an alternative choice to be the second most powerful man in the party due to the intense rift between Azmin and Khalid.

The race for the party’s No. 2 post, originally a crowded six-way match, is now a four-cornered fight after both Tian Chua and former Puchong branch member S. Murali withdrew on Friday.

The other candidate for the deputy presidency is Hulu Selangor division member Datuk K. Ramachandran.

Polling will be held at division level from April 25 to May 11 nationwide. The full results will be announced on May 13.