Tian Chua mulls pulling out of PKR No. 2 race

KUALA LUMPUR: Incumbent PKR vice-president Tian Chua (pic) said he might pull out from the six-cornered deputy presidency race pending talks with the party’s top leadership.

Speaking to reporters at his office here on Tuesday, the Batu parliamentarian said the discussion was necessary in the move to reduce competition, and to build a solid leadership within the organisation.

The talks, he said, would include consultation with outgoing secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is also vying for the post, because of their "close friendship".

“If possible, I do not want any competition between us,” he said, adding his decision would be made “in a day or two”.

In return of his withdrawing from the deputy presidency race, Chua said he did not rule out the possibility of being appointed as the party’s secretary-general, a post decided by the party president.

“I won’t rule that out. I am aiming for a position where I can best serve the party,” he said.

Chua, who is also defending his vice-president position in the party polls, said he was open to the notion of withdrawing from the 16-cornered race.

“Let’s see how the discussion goes,” he said.

The crowded deputy presidency contest sees stiff competition among top guns in the party, including incumbent Azmin Ali, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim and Saifuddin.

Others included Batang Kali PKR leader K. Ramachandran and Puchong division leader S. Murali.

Chua, however, believed that the party could still retain its reform agenda even if the election scheduled in May sees a status quo in its leadership.

“Win or lose, everyone has to adjust themselves. Even if I didn’t win any post, including vice presidency, it does not mean that I am not serving the party or there's no role to play.

“It just means I have to readjust myself to ensure that the party agenda continues,” he said.