PETALING JAYA: PKR leaders have brushed off speculation that the contest for the top women’s post between incumbent Fadhlina Sidek and Rodziah Ismail reflects a division in the wing.
Wanita PKR deputy chief Juwairiya Zulkifli rejected claims that the race pits officeholders against non-officeholders in Putrajaya, noting that Fadhlina is the education minister while Rodziah is the Ampang MP.
She said the contest serves as a platform to identify and nurture future leaders, in line with PKR’s democratic values.
“As long as all candidates compete and campaign in a mature manner, there should be no issue of division, especially since this election prohibits group campaigning or ‘cai’ lists. Each candidate must showcase her individual strengths and merits.
“While we cannot control every member’s opinion, we hope that everyone will respect their fellow contenders, as everyone running is doing so to serve the party,” the former Bukit Melawati assemblywoman told FMT.
Rodziah, who is also a central executive committee member, previously said that the wing had become “lethargic” under Fadhlina’s leadership.
On March 10, she announced her candidacy for the post of Wanita PKR chief in the election to be held in May. Fadhlina had earlier declared that she would defend the position she has held since 2022.
In the 2022 party elections, Rodziah lost to Fadhlina by 32 votes. Fadhlina received 18,923 votes while Rodziah garnered 18,891.
Juwairiya also stressed the importance of maintaining a spirit of camaraderie throughout the campaign, urging supporters to refrain from smear tactics, personal attacks, defamation, or intimidation to garner support.
She also reminded government officeholders not to misuse their positions to sway votes or influence party members.
Wanita PKR exco member Napsiah Khamis also called on candidates to behave professionally and refrain from leveraging official positions or government resources in their campaigns.
“Candidates must compete on a level playing field, with dignity and discipline,” she said.
