ANOTHER hat has been thrown into the ring for the PKR Youth chief contest: Anwar Ibrahim’s former special officer, Najwan Halimi, has confirmed his candidacy, making it a three-cornered fight.

Youth strategy director Akmal Nasir and deputy Youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin had earlier announced their intention to vie for the top spot.

Nomination day for the PKR polls is tomorrow.

Najwan, who is Kota Anggerik assemblyman, said he is aware that his chances are not great. However, he promises to improve the wing’s image should he emerge victorious.

He said PKR Youth must be a political body that is close to the people, and not be seen as elitist.

He added that the wing must be dynamic and inclusive, and not be tied to any personalities in the party.

“We want to see a strong youth movement, but now, PKR Youth is left behind by other parties’ Youth wings.

“Umno Youth, despite being the opposition, still has a lasting effect. Its election recently captured people’s attention.

“For PKR Youth to move forward, it needs fresh ideas and rational approaches, and should not stick to the old political style, which is exclusive and collective,” Najwan told The Malaysian Insight.

In a statement later, he named Malacca PKR deputy Youth chief Naqiuddin Nazrin as his partner gunning for the wing’s No. 2 post.

Dr Afif, who is Seberang Jaya rep, announced yesterday that he will contest the wing’s top post, with Gombak Setia assemblyman Hilman Idham going for the deputy chief’s position.

Akmal, who is Johor Baru MP, was the first to declare he was eyeing the Youth chief post. He is part of Rafizi Ramli’s team.

PKR vice-president Rafizi, meanwhile, is vying for the party’s deputy presidency.

“We are celebrating democracy in a party where we welcome any leader. I don’t think there is any problem (with a three-cornered fight),” Akmal told The Malaysian Insight.

“Looks like AMK (Angkatan Muda Keadilan, or the Youth wing) will produce more leaders.”

Rafizi’s camp has also named Raymond Ahuar as gunning for the deputy Youth chief’s post, and the nominees for the wing’s vice-presidents include Shukri Razab, Chua Wei Kiat, who is Rawang assemblyman, and Thibban Subbramaniam.

Najwan, who is former Youth deputy information chief, has yet to decide on his leadership line-up. However, he is committed to replacing outgoing wing chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

“PKR Youth has to be dynamic and inclusive, and not be seen as just a group in the party. We want to create an image that is more people-friendly.”

He said he hopes to see PKR Youth becoming a pillar in the Pakatan Harapan Youth set-up, and lead the coalition’s Youth wings.

“Although PH Youth is led by PKR, the presence is not felt. PKR is a pillar for PH, and we should stand out by leading PH Youth.”

No proxy candidate

On the perception that there is a split in PKR ahead of the party polls next month, Najwan said this is bad for the party, and does not help in pushing the reform agenda.

“In PKR, it’s clear that we have a reform agenda. By contesting, I will get rid of the negative perception that I am a proxy candidate.

“We move by championing the reform agenda and our obvious support for (PKR de facto leader) Anwar, especially as he will contest the president’s post. After all, we are all in Anwar’s camp.

“Our party agenda is more important. We cannot have politics like in Umno, where they practise proxy politics.”

The PKR elections will be held electronically for the first time, and are scheduled from September 14 until October 7. – August 4, 2018.