Rafizi not contesting in Johor for GE15

JOHOR BAHRU - Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President Rafizi Ramli denies speculations that he will be contesting in Johor for the 15th General Elections (GE15).

Rafizi stated his selection as Johor PKR Leadership Council (MPN) Chairman was not to find a Parliament seat that will be contested in the state.

Instead, he explained the need to establish the state PKR because Johor was a hot state for GE15.

"I will not be contesting in Johor, that's final. The decision from the leadership to choose me as Johor MPN Chairman does not that I will contest here.

"Among the other central leaders, I have a longer record of working together with leaders and branches in the state. So the advantage seen is that it could make it easier to coordinate the GE15 campaign from central levels to Johor," he said.

He said such after a press conference after the Johor MPN meeting at the state PKR Headquarters here on Wednesday.

Also present were PKR Strategy Director Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, Johor PKR Chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim.

Previously speculation arose that the former Pandan MP will contest in Johor after being elected as the MPN Chairman for Wilayah Persekutuan and Johor on Aug 4.

Meanwhile, Rafizi said the political trouble faced by Johor PKR Wanita following the election of the new state Wanita Chief would be brought to the leadership to be discussed along with the Central PKR Wanita Chief.

"This issue is among the matters that's discussed in the meeting tonight (Wednesday night). To me this issue involves different views in Johor PKR Wanita however, it is not a big issue.

"I am confident that within a day or two this political crisis would be harmonised. Just my advice, even if the leadership may not be able to please the hearts of all in the situation where GE15 is nearing, the priority should be given to stabilising the party and giving room for all to perform their own tasks.

"Because of that, I will return to Johor within two weeks for a meeting with state leadership, Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) and Wanita. I hope all parties are prepared and focused towards the preparations for facing GE15 at the meeting," he said.

On Wednesday, 10 of the 14 PKR Wanita wings in the state reportedly questioned the election of Johor Bahru PKR Wanita Chief Zuraidah Zainab as the new Johor PKR Wanita Chief.

Pasir Gudang PKR Branch Wanita Chief Norfazilah Mohamad Nor said this was because a majority of the Wanita wing in the state chose the Kluang PKR Branch Wanita Chief Haryati Abu Nasir as the new chief for the women’s wing.