KUALA LUMPUR — Talks within PKR are underway so that the president and deputy president posts will not be contested in party elections in May.
Senior Political Secretary to the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, told Scoop that discussions are taking place to ensure leadership continuity ahead of the polls for the 2025-2028 term.
“The discussion process is ongoing whereby the party is looking to ensure that key positions are not contested.
“We are discussing everything, including the presidency and deputy positions,” he told Scoop when contacted.
He did not elaborate on the persons involved in the discussions.
These talks are part of the “democratic process”, he added.
“If there is to be no contests in the election, it means discussions were held. Discussions are a part of democracy,” Shamsul Iskandar said.
PKR has announced that elections for its Central Leadership Council (MPP) and for the top leadership of the women’s and youth wings will be held on May 24.
Anwar is expected to be nominated as party president and win uncontested, for his third and final term.
The party constitution limits the same person in the president’s office for only three terms.
Political analysts have told Scoop their views that the 77-year-old’s performance and leadership on the national and international stage would make it hard for PKR to find Anwar’s successor.
Apart from current deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who is also Economy Minister, and Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, potential names for consideration include Selangor Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, as well as the Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
However, Associate Professor Dr Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) told Scoop PKR would find it challenging to put up a different candidate for president who could be as charismatic and authoritative as Anwar.
As such, an orderly power transition plan is necessary for the lead party in Pakatan Harapan, so that it retains voters’ confidence.
In December, PKR amended its constitution to stop the “one member, one vote” system for the top six leadership positions and 20 MPP members.
Instead, the number of delegates eligible to vote for the top leadership and MPP was increased. The amendments also introduced gender and ethnic quotas for the delegates.
Previously, each party grassroots member could vote directly for the highest office bearers.
The “one member, one vote” system was retained for elections at the division level. – February 1, 2025