PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has confirmed that the announcement on the parliamentary seat to be contested by Anwar Ibrahim will be made after the latter’s return from Hong Kong on Wednesday.

He said president-elect Anwar contacted him yesterday before leaving for Hong Kong, giving instructions to “get ready” potential seats to be contested.

“There were originally three (potential) seats, but as of yesterday, the focus was on two. He (Anwar) contacted me yesterday to give me an overview, and I have several tasks to complete.

“Maybe, while he is in Hong Kong, he will make a decision on the seat,” Saifuddin Nasution told reporters after conducting checks on the implementation of the sales and services tax in Alor Star today.

The domestic trade and consumer affairs minister said the seat chosen would be the “safest” based on the party’s study, taking into account the results of the 14th general election.

“We have taken into account all aspects, including the outcome of GE14, voter turnout, current political issues, and matters being harped on by the opposition, such as those based on race and religion.”

He also confirmed that the seat to be contested by Anwar would not be in a northern state, as reported by some newspapers.

He called on the public to not easily fall for fake news, saying they should wait for official announcements by the secretary-general.

On PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin‘s remarks that there had been no discussions held among the party leadership on Anwar’s seat, Saifuddin Nasution said Anwar himself had announced that he would return to Parliament next month.

“That’s her (Zuraida’s) way of responding to the media. Anwar himself has mentioned the matter.

“If, say, the prime minister has announced something, and then suddenly, someone says the matter has yet to be discussed in the cabinet… that is confusing.”

He added that having Anwar in Parliament along with his wife, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and their daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, was not an issue as they were leaders elected by the people.

On the statement by PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli that deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali had met with Anwar in Turkey and asked the latter not to contest the presidency, Saifuddin Nasution said he would leave it to party members to form their own opinions.

“People are worried to see Rafizi challenging Azmin (for the No. 2 post), but for us PKR members, we see it as a normal process.

“In PKR, there will be victory and defeat within the family, and we view it as an opportunity to choose from among the best.” – Bernama, September 10, 2018.