PKR is still deliberating on a candidate for the Rantau by-election, party president Anwar Ibrahim said today, as different party leaders lobby to put forward their own candidates.

“We are still considering,” Anwar told the media in the Port Dickson constituency after attending a Ponggal celebration at Bandar Springhill, Lukut today.

The party’s candidate in the 14th general election (GE14) was S. Streram, but talk is rife that he might not be fielded again in the coming by-election, following the Federal Court’s decision to reject a petition by the incumbent, Mohamad Hasan, to set aside the Seremban election court’s decision in November to nullify his win in GE14.

Mohamad is Umno deputy president, who is currently the acting president.

The Election Commission has yet to fix dates for nominations and the by-election.

“It’s going to be discussed. (We) have not yet decided. If you (media personnel) want, we can consider it,” Anwar, who is Port Dickson MP, said.

Streram had filed the election petition to challenge Mohamad’s uncontested win in the state seat after the PKR man was denied his right to contest when he was prevented from entering the nomination centre.

PKR local and central leaders have begun putting forward their choices for the candidate, who will represent the Pakatan Harapan ruling coalition.

PKR Rembau division chief R. Tanggam said he would propose other names, which did not include Streram.

Streram, however, denied this and insisted he is in the shortlist of names that also include Tanggam and his wife, K. Bathmavathi.

The PKR Women’s wing also identified two potential candidates.

Party vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin said a woman professional should be fielded as the country needs more women to shape the country’s politics. – February 24, 2019.