GE15: Sivarasa confirms health issue, but insists he still could have contested

KUALA LUMPUR – Incumbent Sg Buloh MP Sivarasa Rasiah today revealed that the decision to drop him from contesting in the coming election was made at the eleventh hour.

In a statement to provide clarity on the matter, PKR’s legal bureau head said he was only informed by party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on the evening of the announcement of PKR’s candidates last Friday. 

Sivarasa said the decision was largely influenced by his health condition, confirming an earlier statement made by Anwar, but insisted he still felt he could have contested and defended his seat.

“Right up to last Friday morning, my name remained as the candidate for Sg Buloh. About 5pm on that day, I received a text message from Anwar saying that after further discussion, he had decided that I would not be the candidate. 

“Anwar had tried to call shortly before the text, but I could not take the call then.”

Speaking to reporters last night, Anwar disclosed PKR’s move to nominate Datuk R. Ramanan over Sivarasa for Sg Buloh was due to possible implications arising from the latter’s health issues. 

He was quoted as saying that Sivarasa’s health problems may affect his chances of defending the urban constituency. 

This was in response to an earlier statement by party number two Rafizi Ramli that he had recommended PKR retain Sivarasa for Sg Buloh but was overruled by Anwar. 

Responding to these developments, Sivarasa confirmed that he has been having problems with his vocal cords and is currently using a speech amplifier to assist and protect his voice. 

Despite this, he said he had informed Anwar that he would still be able to contest and conduct his campaign to ensure a Sg Buloh victory, although this appears to have failed to convince the president. 

“Anwar had raised with me his concerns about this and whether I could manage the campaign. I had a differing view and explained how I would manage the campaign differently taking into account the state of my voice. 

“I fully accept the decision by Anwar as the head of the party. He has the right to make the final decision taking into account his perceived view of my health situation and any other factors which he considers relevant.”

Sivarasa also dismissed suggestions that Khairy Jamaluddin’s candidacy in Sg Buloh for Umno had pressured PKR to reconsider its own candidate, saying that the latter’s nomination has been known to the party for some days. 

“It was, in fact, brought to my attention by Anwar,” he said urging a stop to the polemics surrounding his non-candidacy and to instead focus on the campaign to ensure Pakatan Harapan reclaims federal power. – The Vibes, November 4, 2022