THE PKR election in Selangor has begun today, starting with the first nine of its 22 divisions statewide.

The nine divisions going to the polls from 9am to 5pm today are Sabak Bernam, Sungai Besar, Hulu Selangor, Serdang, Kelana Jaya, Subang, Kapar, Kota Raja and Sepang, involving more than 108,000 members.

Polling for the remaining 13 divisions – Puchong, Gombak, Petaling Jaya (PJ) Utara, PJ Selatan, Kuala Langat, Klang and Selayang – has been set for October 21, while members of the Tanjong Karang, Kuala Selangor, Ampang, Pandan, Shah Alam and Hulu Langat divisions will cast their ballots on October 28.

PKR central election committee chairman Rashid Din said the election in Selangor was being held in three stages due to the large number of members involved. 

The state has the highest number of membership at 249,850.

“Since our staff and equipment are also limited, we have to hold the election over three days… to ensure smooth running of the process,” he said.

“We also want to advise all members and contestants to maintain discipline and to contest fairly. Win or lose, we are still members of PKR. We are family, so let’s just tolerate and not fight each other,” he said, adding that the results of today’s polls were expected to be known at 7pm at the earliest.

Apart from having the highest membership, the Selangor PKR election has also captured attention as it involves candidates for the deputy president’s post, namely state PKR chairman Azmin Ali, who is also former Selangor menteri besar, and PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, who is former Pandan MP.

Although Selangor has been said to be Azmin’s stronghold, PKR Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) assistant secretary Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman reportedly said that all 22 divisions in Selangor had pledged their support for Rafizi.

Rafizi had earlier won in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and the Federal Territories, while Azmin won in Penang and Johor. – Bernama, October 14, 2018.