PKR deputy president Azmin Ali will only announce his plans for the party polls after the Sg Kandis by-election.

The economic affairs minister said he was far too occupied with his cabinet duties and with helping PKR win the Saturday by-election to think about what post to contest in the party polls scheduled for the end of August.

“I have not decided yet, as I spend most of my time in the parliamentary session and helping the Sg Kandis candidate,” Azmin said after a ceramah in Taman Seri Andalas in Klang last night.

“I cannot just think of myself, as the party deputy president, this is part of my responsibilities. The party’s candidate must win and he must win big,” he said of Mohd Zawawi Ahmad Mughni, Pakatan Harapan’s candidate for Sg Kandis.  

“After the Sg Kandis by-election, I will calmly decide on my future (in the party).”

Zawawi is facing Barisan Nasional’s Lokman Noor Adam and independent candidate K. Murthy on Saturday.

Azmin’s future in PKR, the biggest party in the PH ruling coalition, has been a subject of intense speculation, as he is seen as the leader of one of PKR’s two factions.

The other faction is aligned to current president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who will be making way for her husband Anwar Ibrahim.

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, who is Azmin’s rival, has announced that he will contest the number two post.

Azmin’s supporters in the party are urging him to contest the presidency.

The former Selangor menteri besar, however, refused to subscribe to the idea that the party’s elections will see a showdown between his supporters and that of Wan Azizah and Rafizi.  

He said he welcomed any member to contest the post, as it only strengthened the democratic culture within the party.

“This is all propaganda from our enemies. All members are part of the PKR family. I have been in this post for the past 20 years and I did not get it for free.

“I have always been challenged in all elections and I believe that is healthy. Let the members decide.”

About 800,000 PKR members will vote for all posts between September and October. – July 31, 2018.