PKR to unveil new office bearers today,Jui Meng to be made VP

Malaysia Chronicle

In a bid to infuse young blood with experience and to heal recent wounds opened during its historic direct election, PKR is expected to spring a few surprises when it announces its top office bearers this afternoon.

“The intention is for the overall good of the party and most of all with an eye to the future. But supporters being supporters, some will be disappointed although some will also be celebrating,” a PKR source told Malaysia Chronicle.

Big names like Chua Jui Meng, the Johore chief, is expected to be appointed vice president and Youth chief aspirant Rafizi Ramli the director of Strategy, taking over from Tian Chua.

It is still unclear whom PKR president Wan Azizah will appoint as the other vice president, although Sarawak’s Baru Bian is considered the front runner. PKR has 4 elected vice-presidents, and two who are appointed by the president.

Party sources told Malaysia Chronicle that Religious bureau chief Dr Nur Manuty may take over as Information chief after incumbent Latheefa Koya asked to surrender the post due to her heavy legal workload for the party.

Dr Manuty will be assisted by two deputy Informations chiefs – mostly likely Pantai Jerejak assemblyman Sim Tze Tsin and Padang Serai MP N Gobalakrishnan.

Nik Nazmi is expected to retain the director of Communications portfolio. Mustapha Kamil Ayub, who lost to Azmin Ali in the heated race for the deputy presidency, may be named head of Training.

Elections director Fuziah, who like Tian contested and won a vice-presidency, is also expected to surrender her position. It is unclear who the new Elections director will be.

Secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution is expected to retain his post.

However, two outgoing vice-presidents Sivarasa Rasiah and Lee Boon Chye will remain as ordinary members in the Supreme Council, although pundits have advised de-facto head Anwar Ibrahim to offer them higher posts because of their capability and contribution to the party.

“It is a sheer waste of talent and loyalty. Both men can do so much more for the party, why not tap their ability to the fullest,” the source said.

As for Jeffrey Kitingan, the Sabah chief, he has already indicated his wish to quit PKR and is unlikely to be given any posts.