SHAH ALAM – Although there were objections from some in the opposition coalition about his Sg Buloh candidacy, Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) Datuk R. Ramanan says it is important to move forward with the campaign.
He said the conflict that arose from his candidacy was an internal matter that should not be brought up again.
Speaking to reporters after he submitted his nomination papers here, Ramanan said PKR’s incumbent Sg Buloh MP Sivarasa Rasiah’s presence this morning showed the latter’s support despite being dropped from the candidate list.
“I’m not mad about this matter at all,” Ramanan said outside the Petaling District and Land office here this morning.
“There is no need to discuss this (anymore), it is an internal party affair. The candidacy announcement has been done. Let’s move forward from this.”
He added that the only reason he did not make a statement on the matter earlier was simply because the media did not reach out to him to ask about his nomination.
“The media said that there is a replacement, an issue, but the watikah (candidate appointment letter) is already in my hands.”
Earlier this week, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli said the opposition’s Sg Buloh candidate would be reconsidered after receiving feedback from voters.
However, Ramanan was still announced as PH’s candidate for the constituency in a matter of hours after Rafizi mentioned the matter on Twitter.
Confident of capturing Sg Buloh
Meanwhile, Ramanan expressed his confidence in defending Sg Buloh for the opposition, with the support of his PH “family”, and stressed the importance of voting for the coalition.
“This is our (PH) fortress, and I am confident that I can defend the seat. The machinery is set, and I will work alongside both state legislatures to ensure our victory.
“We have a lot to offer, but I want to explain to the locals – the candidate is important, but who will become the next prime minister is even more (crucial).
“We will ensure a win here so we can contribute to securing 112 seats in Putrajaya and guarantee (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim’s place there.”
Ramanan also acknowledged the status of his fellow contender, Khairy Jamaluddin of Barisan Nasional, stating that they are “underdogs” in their own way.
“I agree with Khairy when he said he’s the underdog on the ground. But I’m also the underdog on social media.”
Aided by a voice amplifier, Sivarasa, who arrived at the nomination centre earlier this morning, insisted he was still able to contest despite his current health condition, but said he respected Anwar’s decision not to field him.
Sivarasa held the seat since 2008.
Ramanan will be in a seven-cornered contest with Khairy, Pejuang’s Mohd Akmal Mohd Yusof, PN’s Mohd Ghazali Md Hamin, Ahmad Jufliz Faiza of Party Rakyat Malaysia, and independents Abdul Razak Syed Long and Nurhaslinda Basri. – The Vibes, November 5, 2022
