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WITH Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail out of the race for the PKR deputy presidency, party insiders said they foresee a tough battle for the number two spot.
"Whatever anyone may say it is clearly an Anwar versus Rafizi battle.
"The battle lines are clear and though the scales may be tipped in favour of Nurul, anything can happen," revealed a party veteran
According to the party insider, Saifuddin decided to drop out of the race following a lengthy discussion with PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday.
"Saifuddin is also seen as from Anwar's camp, so it does not make sense for him to jump into the race.
"He will only be splitting votes, reducing chances for Nurul to win," said the insider.
A party branch leader said the battle lines were very clear, even in the tussle for the vice-presidencies.
"From the 12 contestants, the division between ‘team Anwar’ and ‘team Rafizi’ seem equal, while one or two can swing either side," said the branch leader.
The four incumbents currently are Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad; Minister of Science and Technology, Chang Lih Kang; Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shaari.
Others include Deputy Minister of Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Malaysia, Datuk Seri R Ramanan; PKR Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan; Segamat Member of Parliament R Yuneswaran; Bayan Baru Member of Parliament, Sim Tze Tzin, Senator Abun Sui Anyit; former Selangor Exco Hee Loy Sian, former PKR vice-president Mustaffa Kamil Ayub and Manivanan Gowin who is the PKR Jempol division chief.
According to the branch leader, Sim, Ramanan, Hee, Abun and Amirudin are from 'camp Anwar' while Nik Nazmi, Chang, Yuneswaran and Aminuddin are from 'camp Rafizi'.
"It is uncertain where Mustaffa, Manivanan and Sathia will swing," said the branch leader.
He said both Rafizi and Nurul are strong leaders in the party and have been with it since the days of Reformasi and no matter who wins, there must be no bitter feelings.
"Both had taken some time off from the party's front lines in the past but still continued to help PKR in other ways.
"It will be a tough battle, and the scales could tilt either way," added the branch leader. - May 10, 2025