C. SIVARAJ, the Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for Padang Serai, will be considered for a suitable role in Anwar Ibrahim’s administration, Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said today.

Sivaraj had previously agreed to withdraw in favour of the PH candidate for the election on December 7, but had reportedly been unhappy about the deal.

“Sivaraj’s withdrawal was made unconditionally, but I’m convinced as a young leader, Sivaraj deserves a spot.

“In a new government like ours, surely there are places that these young leaders deserve and we will consider it,” Saifuddin said in Kulim today.

He added that Sivaraj’s withdrawal followed discussions between PH, MIC president S.A. Vigneswaran and BN chairman Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.

He said this was a reciprocal agreement where PH would withdraw in favour of the BN candidate in Tioman.

“Sivaraj gave way and I have stressed repeatedly he did so unconditionally, just like the withdrawal in Tioman was done without any conditions,” he added.

Saifuddin said Anwar appointing himself finance minister came after a shortlist was presented to Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, according to due process and taking all matters into consideration.

“One decision of course has its pros and cons, and we went along with it as we are confident that with his experience, he is able to lead this important ministry,” he said. – Bernama, December 4, 2022.