Debate between PKR deputy presidency candidates cancelled

The debate, called 'Wacana Timbal Timbalan Presiden PKR' and organised by Posto and Radio Bangsar Utama, was supposed to be held at Kuala Lumpur And Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall on Sunday night.

Its objectives, said its organisers, was enable those running for the number two post in PKR to “explain their vision and mission” if elected.

“We organised this programme because we were interested in celebrating democracy and politics that was transparent. It is a way to promote and spread the message the fastest because this programme will be aired live by Radio Bangsar Utama,” said Mohd Affandi Ramli, a representative of the organiser.

Radio Bangsar Utama is an independent Internet radio that is run by activists, most notably Hishamuddin Rais.

The contest for the PKR deputy presidency is a four-way contest between the incumbent, Azmin Ali, Selangor menteri besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim, PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, and Datuk K. Ramachandram.

The organizers said that since last Saturday, they have contacted all candidates through Facebook and through their aides and special officers.

However, the candidates either did not reply in time, were not interested in the programme, or ignored the invite outright.

“Seeing as to only Saifuddin was eager to participate, we decided to cancel this programme. We apologise to our friends, supporters from inside and outside of PKR who were interested but were disappointed with this cancellation.

“However, we are thankful to the candidates who cooperated in particular Khalid and Ramachandran who, eventhough not interested, gave a response to us organisers, ” said Mohd Affandi.

The PKR election will see senior party members jostle for the posts of president, deputy president, four vice-presidents and 20 central committee seats.

Yesterday, as nomination closed, it was confirmed that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has not withdrawn and will take on his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the president’s post.

Tian Chua and S Murali, initially going for the deputy post, had withdrawn themselves.

Tian Chua is now contesting the in the vice-presidency race, which also sees Nurul Izzah Anwar (an incumbent) and Rafizi Ramli, who are in a pact with Saifuddin; and incumbent Fuziah Salleh (Kuantan MP), N Surendran (Padang Serai MP) and former Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin.

The contest for the Youth chief (AMK) post will see a three-corner fight between Selangor Deputy Speaker Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Batu Caves assemblyman Amirudin Shari and former Youth vice-president Mohd Nazree Yunus.

Meanwhile, Wanita wing will see a straight fight for the top post between incumbent Zuraida Kamaruddin and Rodziah Ismail.

Campaigning has already begun. Polling will take place at branch level meetings from April 25 to May 11. The results of the party polls will be known by May 13.