Chua appointed PKR Johor chief

PKR has appointed supreme council member Chua Jui Meng as its Johor chief in a bid to make inroads into the state, a known indomitable Barisan Nasional stronghold.

It is learnt that the anticipated decision was made at the party's political bureau meeting last night. All the top guns including de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and vice-president Azmin Ali were present.

Chua, a former MCA leader who has served BN's second biggest component party for 35 years, is known to have vast influence in Johor. The former health minister replaces Annuar Salleh.

Anwar in a press conference last Sunday, however, admitted that there might be some obstacle to Chua's mission in Johor, given that his Bakri seat is now held by DAP’s Er Teck Hwa.

But the opposition chief said that the veteran politician would most likely be put up as a candidate in the Chinese-majority Muar area where he is known to enjoy strong support.

Meanwhile, FMT was told the revamping of the party's communication's department has been deferred to next week.

It is understood that the current communication director Jonson Chong will be replaced by Seri Seti assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a move to shore up Malay support.

Chong said he has no problem about the replacement, admitting that he has not been performing. He said the appointment of Nik Nazmi, a young and vibrant politician known to have strong grassroots ties, was a good choice.

Also to be dropped is current information chief Latheefa Koya.

Anwar had admitted that Pakatan Rakyat must win over the Malays if it ever wishes to turn its Putrajaya dream into reality.

courtesy of FMT