State polls: PKR will drop candidates who are slow, problematic, says Rafizi

SHAH ALAM: PKR candidates will be dropped from the state polls if their campaigns are minimal or there are any serious complaints against them, says Rafizi Ramli.

The PKR deputy president said PKR's top leaders, including himself and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had been working the ground tirelessly and it is imperative for prospective candidates to do the same.

“If these candidates were late in starting their campaigns, I will see the party president (Anwar) myself to change candidates.

“That is why we announced the candidates ahead of nomination day, we want to prevent the past from repeating,” said Rafizi during PKR’s candidate announcement event in Shah Alam on Saturday (July 22) night.

Rafizi also said that in the past, PKR has dealt with many errant candidates.

“When they want to be candidates, they lobby for it heavily. But after becoming our candidates, they acted like kings even before being elected.

“If there are such candidates, we will have a week’s time, where I will see the party president myself and retract the surat watikah (candidate endorsement letter),” said Rafizi.

Rafizi also urged party leaders and candidates not to take the upcoming state polls lightly.

“Make sure that we are always in pole position,” added Rafizi.

Anwar is expected to announce PKR candidates later Saturday (July 22) night and the party is expected to contest at least 70 seats.

Thousands of Malaysians were seen congregating at the candidate announcement event.

Nominations for the state elections in Selangor, Penang, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kedah and Kelantan is on July 29 and polling is on Aug 12.