A DAY ahead of PKR’s nomination day for its party polls, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail warned members to stay away from character assassination campaigns.

The polls this time are seeing stiff competition between camps supporting incumbent deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali and outgoing challenger vice-president Rafizi Ramli.

Saifuddin, who is secretary-general, warned party members from getting involved in “disruptive campaigns”.

“PKR is very open and democratic. Members are free to choose their leaders. I want to suggest that while we are open, members need to have good discipline.

“They are free to support and vote for the leaders they want, but they must maintain discipline and not get involved in character assassination campaigns, slander, and outrageous allegations.

“The candidates who are contesting should also pay attention (to this),” he told reporters in Penang when asked to comment on attacks exchanged between the two camps.

Saifuddin, who is domestic trade and consumers affairs minister, also warned them not to underestimate the wisdom of PKR members.

He said those who made use of their positions to “build their personal political empires” would be rejected.

“That is against PKR and its reformist struggle. Party members will choose leaders based on their commitments to the party struggle and their contributions, ideas, and creativity.

“Members will want leaders who can deal with different views and appreciate the grassroots’ contributions ,” he said.

Some 900,000 party members nationwide will be voting electronically to pick their party leadership over the coming weeks. Every member in the party is eligible to vote. – August 4, 2018.