KUALA LUMPUR: PKR will remain as one family regardless of the results of the upcoming party polls, says Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan.
The PKR deputy information chief I dispelled claims the election was causing factions to form.
"No matter what election, friction may exist as everyone wants to win and no one wants to lose.
"But no matter who wins, we are all still committed to uniting under (party president) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as we all share the same goal of seeing his vision through.
"Just like an actual family, conflicts may occur but we will always come back together no matter what," he told reporters during an interview at Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat here on Tuesday (May 13).
Ramanan, who is contesting for one of the four PKR vice-president posts against 11 others, said the crowded race was a sign of healthy democracy in the party.
"The presence of more candidates shows that anyone can become a candidate, regardless of if they are a veteran or newcomer and it is a sign of a healthy competitive environment," he said.
If elected, Ramanan said that he would push for creating more sustainable skilled jobs for youths through technical and vocational education and training (TVET) to replace the ongoing popularity of gig jobs among youth.
He said he would also work towards improving the delivery and speed of government services.
"I have a wealth of experience and wisdom in politics, including holding key government positions which is an asset that cannot be learned in books and will be necessary to help navigate the party through the current political climate.
"I also promise to not only be the voice of the Indian community in PKR but for all the people regardless of race and religion," said Ramanan, who is also Deputy Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister.
Ramanan also praised the use of the delegate system to elect PKR's central leaders over its previous "one member, one vote" system.
The race for the party's vice-president posts includes Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Science and Technology Minister Chang Lih Kang.
Ramanan is among the new faces challenging for the posts along with Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and PKR deputy secretary-general Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan.
Others who have submitted their nominations are former Selangor exco member Hee Loy Sian, Senator Abun Sui Anyit and former PKR vice-president Mustaffa Kamil Ayub.
