THREE names are being bandied about as possible replacement for Perak PKR chief Muhammad Nur Manuty, who did not seek re-election in the recent party elections.

They are Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye and Perak exco Yunus Jamhari. 

Farhash is the Kuala Kangsar division chief and from Rafizi Ramli’s camp while Lee, who was the deputy state chief in the previous state committee and Yunus are aligned with party deputy president Azmin Ali.

However, Farhash is seen as a favourite after a meeting with Perak PKR division chiefs and party president Anwar Ibrahim last week where 10 of the 20 divisions voted Farhash.

The Tanjung Malim, Bukit Gantang and Bagan Datuk division chiefs did not attend the meeting while the Gopeng chief abstained.

“It appears that Farhash is set to be the state chief. He is also a political officer to Anwar and also seems to enjoy excellent relations with the PKR grassroots,” said a PKR division chief who did not want to be named.

However, others in the state feel PKR Perak should be led by an experienced hand who can build on the Pakatan Harapan coalition’s pact with its partners – DAP, Amanah and Bersatu in the state.

“Lee and Yunus are old hands in the state. In Perak politics, if you are experienced, you will find it easier to deal with Perak DAP chief Nga Kor Ming and Amanah chief Asmuni Alwi,” said a former division chief. 

 In the just concluded Perak PKR elections, Rafizi’s camp won the state and even toppled some veterans aligned to Azmin as division chiefs.

Among them are Perak information chief and Tapah division chief Siti Aisha Shaik Ismail and for state vice-chairman and Lumut division chief Admiral Mohamad Imran Abd Hamid.

The party’s political bureau is expected to announce the 14 state chiefs tonight after its meeting. – December 11, 2018.