SHAH ALAM - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) never prohibits any individual who meets the criteria set by the Supreme Leadership Council from contesting for the vice president position in this election.
Therefore, Bersatu Selangor deputy chief Mohd Rafiq Mohd Abdullah, denied allegations that he violated party instructions by nominating himself for the vice president position.
He said that Bersatu had never issued an official directive to prevent the top five positions from being contested, even though its president, Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, had previously suggested a plan.
The Kuang assemblyman emphasised that his intention to compete for one of the three vice president positions was to foster the democratic process within Bersatu.
"We are contesting in a spirit of kinship, integrity and mutual respect.
"Therefore, I hope those who lose in the elections will not leave Bersatu out of disappointment.
"We need to stand together with the president and other leadership to restore public trust in the party,” he said when contacted by Sinar Premium.
In addition to Rafiq, five other leaders also vied for the vice president positions, including two incumbents: Putrajaya Member of Parliament (MP) Datuk Dr Mohd Radzi Md Jidin, and Beluran MP Datuk Seri Dr Ronald Kiandee.
Others contesting include deputy president Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu, information chief Datuk Razali Idris and Bersatu Batu Kawan division chief Aziss Zainal Abiddin.
This election also sees Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin and Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin winning unopposed for the positions of president, deputy president, and Srikandi chief.
Earlier, Muhyiddin revealed that he was mandated by the Supreme Council Leader to negotiate with the leadership team to ensure that the election does not lead to divisions within the party.
According to the ‘compromise plan,’ Muhyiddin is expected to remain as Bersatu president, assisted by secretary-general Hamzah, who will be promoted to vice president, while Radzi, Ronald and Faizal are expected to be appointed as vice presidents, thus resulting in no contests for the top five positions in this election.
Meanwhile, Rafiq expressed confidence that the Bersatu delegates would make wise judgments and select the most deserving individuals for the three vice president positions.
"Moreover, I will remain loyal to Bersatu, will not leave the party and will continue to support the President even if I lose in the election,” he said.