Seven Indian PKR leaders likely to join VP race

A large number of nominations for the four PKR vice-president positions in the forthcoming party leadership elections are expected, with at least seven of the candidates expected to be of Indian origin.

According to party sources, the seven are Dr Xavier Jayakumar, R Sivarasa, Dr R Summugam, S Kesavan, Michael Tamil, K Ramachandran and G Balasubramaniam.

Kesavan, the Sungai Siput MP, is expected to be part of PKR deputy president hopeful Rafizi Ramli's team.

"Kesavan will make a formal announcement this Sunday at an event organised by Rafizi," a party source said.

Either Xavier or Sivarasa is expected to be one of incumbent PKR deputy president Azmin Ali's running mate, another source said.

"We believe that both will still offer themselves in the contest, even if they don't make it on Azmin's list," he said.

Meanwhile, Balasubramaniam told Malaysiakini he wanted to throw his hat in the ring because a politician must be an elected party official to properly articulate issues faced by the people.

'Our community faces a lot of problems'

"I am a successful businessman. I won't be greedy for money or power if I'm elected. Our community faces a lot of problems.

"We in PKR need credible people to voice up to help improve the living conditions (of the Indian community)," Balasubramaniam said.

Michael said he had offered himself because he believed that past Indian leaders had failed the community.

"We choose (an Indian leader) every time, but we end up disappointed. So this time, I'm offering myself," he said.

Attempts to contact Summugam and Ramachandran for comments were unsuccessful.

The forthcoming PKR leadership elections will be one of the most watched yet because the party is now in the ruling power at the federal level and because Anwar Ibrahim will be offering himself for party presidency.

Nominations will take place next weekend while the party elections are to be held by the end of August. - Mkini