PKR polls: Khalid Ibrahim joins race for No. 2

By Stephanie Sta Maria - Free Malaysia Today

FULL REPORT SHAH ALAM: Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim tonight officially announced his candidacy for the post of deputy president in the PKR elections.

His announcement was met with loud cheers and shouts of support from the 100-odd people who had gathered at his official residence here.

"You may wonder why I'd want to contest in an election that has received so much criticism from the media and even from within the party," he said.

"Even from my own observations, the campaign has been rife with factional leadership and personal attacks."

"I have already said that these are unhealthy practices which must be stopped. As a party leader and the menteri besar of a Pakatan state, it is my duty to try to rectify these issues. It is for this reason that I have decided to contest for the deputy presidency," he said.

In ensuring that his candidacy has only a positive impact on the party, Khalid has set up a special committee to evaluate its repercussions on party unity and administration.

This committee comprises Malaysian Trade Union Council (MTUC) president Syed Shahrir Syed Mahmud, Tenaganita director Irene Fernandez, PKR strategic director Tian Chua and ex-Abim president Muhammad Nur Manuty.

"They are free to hold discussions with any party leaders until Oct 15th," he added.

"If the committee concludes that my candidacy will not augur well for the party and there are better ways for me to serve, I will heed the advice," he promised.
Khalid is likely to face Azmin Ali, Zaid Ibrahim and Mustaffa Kamil Ayub in the contest. Vice-president Azmin is the clear favourite to take over from outgoing Dr Syed Husin Ali.
Khalid's manifesto
Earlier in his speech, Khalid heaped praise on the party's direct elections but also delivered a sobering reminder of the trouble that has plagued it.

"PKR is the only political party in Asia that has dared to attempt direct elections," he emphasised. "This party has a future that the people believe in and it has to continue fanning that fervour."

"But this is my fear - that in the fight to lead, we sometimes forget the true agenda of reformasi. I see leaders looking for ways to destroy each other. What has happened to the brotherhood of reformasi?"

While Khalid didn't mention names it was clear that he was referring to the escalating feud between Azmin and supreme council member Zaid.

"We are not politicking for a day but towards changing the political landscape in Malaysia," he said. "This direct elections must pave our path to Putrajaya."

In keeping to his word to ensure that his candidacy benefited the party, Khalid introduced a manifesto for his campaign. Themed "Fortifying Reformasi" the manifesto contained five principles.

The first is loyalty to the fight. Second, continue the agenda of change. Third, economy for the people. Fourth, rejecting "divide and conquer" politics and five, party unity.

During a later press conference, Khalid added that he would propose that 30% of the party leadership is made up of women.