By WANI MUTHIAH
SHAH ALAM: Five Selangor PKR assemblymen, including two exco members, announced their endorsement of party vice-president Azmin Ali to contest for the party’s deputy presidency.
The five were Yaakob Sapari (Kota Anggerik), Dr Xavier Jayakumar (Sri Andalas), Shuhaimi Shafie (Seri Muda), Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad (Seri Setia) and Amirudin Shari (Batu Caves).
Yaakob, who acted as spokesman, told a press conference that Azmin deserved the post due to his seniority.
He added that Azmin had gone through many challenges, including family betrayal in his political struggle.
The group also claimed the endorsement was not a veiled attack against contender Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.
“There is no plan to attack anyone. We are supporting Azmin because he is also the Selangor PKR chief,” Yaacob said yesterday.
Asked why the group felt Azmin needed backing, Dr Jayakumar said lobbying was part and parcel of the democratic process.
To a question if they would still endorse Azmin in the event Dr Syed Husin Ali decides to defend his deputy president post, Yaakob said it was left to be seen if he (Dr Syed Husin) is contesting or otherwise.
It is not known if Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim would also vie for the deputy president’s post.
In the event he does, some of those backing Azmin such as Dr Jayakumar and Yaakob might find themselves in “an awkward situation”.
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