BUKIT MERTAJAM – PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail would be the best choice for deputy president to help the party close ranks ahead of the next general elections as he is already working towards that objective, a party assemblyman said today.
Yesterday, Saifuddin announced that he will contest the deputy presidency in the coming party polls in May, setting up a potential three-way race after current vice-president Rafizi Ramli and former Perak PKR chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak announced their intentions to run for the post.
PKR’s Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao Leung said Saifuddin was right to emphasise on the need to focus on preparations for the 15th general election, which could happen any time between now and May next year when the current term ends.
“Saifuddin has focused on the urgency to prepare the party for GE15, and to get the party to close ranks and work together as a team under the president,” Gooi said in a statement.
“I’m sure Saifuddin’s call will be well received by party members who wish to see an end to fractious party infighting. We must not allow our party elections to be turned into a zero-sum game especially when GE15 is just around the corner.”
Gooi said Saifuddin has been “unquestionably loyal, steadfast, and unwavering” in his service to the party, even taking on the responsibilities of senior leadership that were left vacant following a slew of defections during the infamous Sheraton Move in 2020.
PKR’s party polls are scheduled for May 13-18. Nominations are set for April 9. – The Vibes, April 2, 2022
