WITH the PKR party elections looming, all eyes will be on the race for the four elected vice-presidencies, especially since the top two positions are uncontested.
Compared to the last party election in 2022 where 17 candidates contested for a VP spot, this year will see seven candidates, including the four elected incumbents and one appointed VP.
According to senior PKR members, they do not expect much change in the current VP line-up considering the four incumbents are two Menteris Besar and two ministers.
They are Selangor MB Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Negri Sembilan MB Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Chang Lih Kang.
The fifth appointed incumbent is Nurul Izzah Anwar, the prime minister's daughter.
The two other candidates are deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives minister Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, who is also the PKR deputy information chief 1 and Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan who is PKR deputy secretary-general.
PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil who had earlier said he was also contesting a VP position decided to pull out and go for a seat on the central leadership council (MPP).
"Amirudin polled the highest number of votes in 2022 and it will be almost impossible to shake him, especially since his closest challenger, was more than 10,000 votes behind.
"In fact, all four won with very comfortable margins and we doubt any of the three challengers will make an impact," revealed a senior PKR leader.
According to the leader, based on party electoral patterns, including those from other political parties, it would be difficult to unseat incumbents who hold strong positions in the government.
"This is the first party election with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the Prime Minister and also serves as a platform to face the 16th GE, latest by 2027.
"After the party polls, we have at the most, two years to prepare for the GE which could even be held much sooner.
"So, it is vital to remember that whoever leads PKR after this has a huge responsibility and must be able to provide the support needed by our President and Prime Minister," said the senior leader.
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Another senior leader believes that Ramanan, who is the MP for Sungai Buloh stands a good chance to become an elected VP considering his track record as a deputy minister and MP.
"Since being elected, Ramanan has done alot for his constituents regardless of race or religion.
"This includes numerous efforts in education, welfare and also health," said the leader, adding that his record as the deputy entrepreneur development and cooperatives is also impressive.
"He is seen as a very strong, upcoming Indian leader and many view him as the next face of the (Indian) community," said the party insider.
The other incumbent defending her VP position is Izzah, whom party veteran Yusmadi Yusoff described as someone who has gone through the trials and tribulations to be a good leader.
"She possesses good leadership qualities and has seen her share of ups and downs in her political career.
"She is among the strongest and most capable young leaders in the party and may make it to the top four if the delegates are looking towards new blood to lead," he said.
A division leader said "Izzah cannot keep depending on her historical sacrifices or the liberal elite to maintain her position.
“She must state what she's bringing to the table beyond being the President's daughter in real terms that benefit the party electorally.
“Also, she must not accept a re-appointment as VP … it is critical she wins the position,”.
Voting for the central leadership council and the heads of the women’s and youth wings is set to take place on May 24. - April 16, 2025
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