[UPDATED] Saifuddin Nasution joins PKR deputy president race

KUALA LUMPUR – Kulim-Bandar Baharu MP Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has announced that he will be contesting for PKR’s deputy president post. 

The move will quite possibly set up a clash with current vice-president Rafizi Ramli and the party’s former Perak chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak in the race for the seat next month.

Presently the secretary-general of the party, Saifuddin made the announcement at Kelantan PKR’s annual general meeting today.

He also told PKR members there that he has brought experience and loyalty to the party’s leadership for 23 years and is committed to continuing efforts that would strengthen PKR’s presidential institution. 

He assured that he would ensure members’ commitments and efforts for the party struggle are duly appreciated.

“I would like party members to consider focusing on both my attitude and stances, especially those that have arisen from my heart,” he said.

“I am also committed to bringing an approach to work as a team. I will position myself as a team player who renders appreciation for everyone's efforts.”

Additionally, he mentioned that he has also served the party during its key episodes, particularly during the national elections that have taken place since 2008, which was when PKR made significant electoral inroads by being part of the opposition coalition that gained control over five states.

“From 2008 to 2018, I have assisted the party with regards to our manifestos, election strategies, (political) machinery strengthening and campaigns all over Malaysia,” Saifuddin added.

Displaying a sense of party camaraderie and downplaying any notion of enmity between him and Rafizi, he praised the former Pandan MP as a creative and respected intellectual who is an asset to PKR.

“Thus, this competition (between Rafizi and I) is an offer by two friends who want to continue strengthening the party,” he said.

PKR’s national elections are scheduled to take place from May 13 to 18, while nominations are set for April 9.

Rafizi made known his desire to be active again in politics by vying to be deputy president on March 15. 

He cited the dismal performance by the party and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition in the Johor state election three days before, as well as the previous losses in Sabah (September 2020), Melaka (November 2021) and Sarawak (December 2021) polls.

Rafizi had also alleged that the PH presidential council had agreed to discuss with the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional the possibility of working together to face the next general election.

Two days after Rafizi's announcement, Farhash criticised it as seeming to contain a hidden agenda and implying that he wanted to take on party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

He claimed that Rafizi had no less ridiculed Anwar as weak in announcing his return and intention to run for deputy president. He pointed to Rafizi describing his political break as due to his disagreement with the party’s leadership.

Interestingly, Farhash was later reported by Malaysiakini as saying that he would step aside from contesting the seat if Saifuddin goes for PKR deputy president. – The Vibes, April 1, 2022