KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — The race for the PKR deputy presidency may not be a six-way tussle after all, following confirmation from outgoing party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail that some candidates are already considering dropping out from the contest.
“It is a strong possibility that some will pull out. Discussions on the matter have already begun,” he told The Malay Mail Online when contacted.
This, said Saifuddin, is because none of the candidates knew who they were contesting against until last Saturday’s nomination day.
“Some now feel that they share common ground and goals,” he said.
At present, the deputy presidency contest is a six-way tussle, with two wild card entries on top of the four big guns initially speculated to contest the post.
The senior leaders aiming for the party’s Number Two spot are Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim, Saifuddin himself and incumbent vice-president Chua Tian Chang.
Incumbent Azmin Ali has also cast his bid to defend his deputy presidency.
Rounding off the contest are Hulu Selangor branch member Datuk K. Ramachandram and former Puchong branch chief S. Murali. Little is known about them.
Azmin seemingly echoed Saifuddin’s remarks, telling reporters in Parliament today to avoid “speculation” until the final list of candidates were ready on April 10.
“I don’t want to make a premature decision, there is still time for candidates to withdraw.
“I will be in the race. I do not know about the others,” the Gombak MP added.
