KUALA LUMPUR – The PKR Election Committee (EC) will accept applications from eligible party members wishing to contest, including for key positions, in the party elections this May.
PKR EC chairperson Dr Zaliha Mustafa told Scoop that, in line with democratic principles, the committee will accept applications for any position, including president and deputy president.
According to her, the committee is also in the process of drafting the 2025 Party Election Guidelines, which are expected to be completed soon.
“In principle, the Election Committee will accept any application from eligible members wishing to contest for any position, including key roles within the party.
“However, if only one candidate offers themselves without any challengers, that candidate will be declared the winner unopposed, in line with the democratic principles we uphold,” she said when contacted today.
Additionally, Zaliha stressed that the committee is not involved in any internal negotiations to determine whether certain positions should be contested.
“The EC does not engage in any negotiations to decide who or which positions are eligible for contest. We accept anyone who wishes to contest – that is the principle,” she said.
Yesterday, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister, said that it is up to the party to decide whether the top leadership positions, including his deputy, should be contested.
Anwar emphasised that he would not interfere in the matter and that the decision lies with PKR.
“The party will decide… I won’t interfere.
“It’s a matter of democracy… whether there is a contest or not, the party will determine,” he said.
On February 1, PKR International Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin hinted that the party might not open the presidential and deputy presidential positions for contest, based on various internal consultation processes.
“Discussions are ongoing, with the party considering the possibility of not contesting key leadership positions.
“We are reviewing everything, including the president and deputy president roles,” he said.
Following Shamsul’s statement, former PKR Youth deputy chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman expressed the view that Anwar needs a more dynamic leadership team to strengthen the party’s agenda for the people.
He added that allowing contests for leadership positions would also help PKR remain relevant in national politics.
Earlier, PKR announced that elections for the Central Leadership Council, Central Women’s Leadership Council, and Central Youth Leadership Council for the 2025-2028 term will be held on May 24.
Anwar, 77, is expected to retain his position as PKR president in the upcoming party elections, which will also mark his final term in office.
The party’s constitution only allows a president to serve for a maximum of three terms.
Previously, political analysts noted that Anwar’s outstanding leadership, both domestically and internationally, has highlighted a widening gap in finding his successor within PKR.
Associate Professor Mazlan Ali from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) stated that this presents a challenge for PKR to ensure that the party’s future “number two” possesses both charisma and credibility to continue Anwar’s legacy.
He emphasised that a well-structured transition plan is crucial in maintaining public and voter confidence in the party. – February 16, 2025