THE selection of PKR candidates for the state elections in Negri Sembilan was done transparently and in accordance with the process set by the party, its deputy president Rafizi Ramli said.

He said it took into consideration the importance of creating opportunities for women, aligning with PKR’s leadership’s goal of rejuvenating the party and promoting gender balance.

“There were three screening stages before the PKR president (Anwar Ibrahim) made the final selection. Even I was not aware of the shortlisted candidates until the official announcement was made.

“Before we had the unity government, PKR could compete for many seats, now we only have six. So we want to make sure that one-third of the six seats are women candidates. Hence, someone had to withdraw. It is not about who gets or who doesn’t get it, it’s the party’s decision,” he told reporters at the Madani Tour Programme in Seremban last night.

He said this in response to Ampangan incumbent Dr Mohamad Rafie Ab Malek’s complaint he was not being fielded to defend the seat on the instructions of Rafizi and state PH chairman Aminuddin Harun.

Rafizi, who is PKR election director, also denied the claim that Rafie’s name was dropped because of his criticism against Aminuddin’s leadership as menteri besar.

“There are others who were also dropped. It must be proportionate, otherwise women will not get a seat at all,” he added.

Besides Rafie, also dropped as candidates to represent PH in the state are incumbent Sri Tanjung assemblyman M. Ravi, Chuah incumbent Michael Yek Diew Ching and Pilah incumbent Mohamad Nazaruddin Sabtu.

They were replaced by new faces – Tengku Zamrah Tengku Sulaiman for the Ampangan state seat, Dr Rajasekaran (Sri Tanjung), Yew Boon Lye (Chuah) and Nur Zunita Begum (Pilah).

The Election Commission has set polling for Negri Sembilan, Selangor, Penang, Kelantan, Terengganu and Kedah, as well as the  Kuala Terengganu parliamentary by-election, to be held simultaneously on August 12, while early voting is on August 8. – Bernama, July 30, 2023.