Amanah revving up for first national polls, 'big guns' defeated?

This year for the first time since its establishment on September 16, 2016, Parti Amanah Negara faces polling at branch, division, state and national levels.

Party secretary-general Mohd Anuar Mohd Tahir said that as of August 26, 2019, four states have completed elections at the regional level while the rest are expected to complete elections in early September, with state-level conventions scheduled for October 2019.

"Various complaints and objections have been received throughout this election season and all reports are being investigated and action has been taken," said Mohd Anuar.

Without elaborating, he said that there had been some places where the election was suspended and cancelled and a re-election directed.

"The compliance with the central committee's directives indicates that the party has disciplined members who are open to criticism and are ready to make changes," he said.

Lauding the party's vibrant internal democracy, he said that some of the party's elected representatives were defeated in the ongoing internal polls.

He declined to name who the defeated candidates were.

"Of course, this development is shocking because the assemblyperson or member of Parliament is usually a candidate that can win easily but that does not happen within Amanah."

"This scenario has put all the candidates on a level playing field and no one has the advantage. Everyone has to work harder in order to be elected to the leadership committee."

Despite having only 11 MPs, Amanah has five full ministers in Mohamad Sabu, Khalid Samad, Dzulkefly Ahmad, Salahuddin Ayub and Mujahid Yusof Rawa.

Mohd Anuar also highlighted that Amanah's Subang division had chosen a female chairperson.

"Amanah is grateful for this development because it clearly demonstrates democracy in the party is growing," he said.

"The party leadership selection process is generally taking place smoothly and calmly without any provocation, he said, adding that he would this would be maintained until the national convention in December. - Mkini