Speaking to PKR members at a party event in Kelantan today, the PKR secretary-general touted his experience and loyalty to the party.

” I, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, today announce that I am offering myself for the post of PKR deputy president,” he said to applause from the crowd.

Watch the video here.

The Kulim Bandar Baharu MP said he was committed to working as a team, highlighting his interest in team sports such as rugby, hockey and football while at school.

He also highlighted his diplomatic skills, especially in helping preserve ties with opposition parties.

The announcement by Saifuddin confirms speculation in recent weeks that he will be taking on Rafizi Ramli for the post.

On March 15, Rafizi, a party vice-president, announced his return to active politics after a two-year hiatus and said he would be contesting for the post.

The PKR deputy president’s post has been vacant since Azmin Ali was sacked from the party following his part in the Sheraton Move, which brought down the Pakatan Harapan government in February 2020.

Both Saifuddin and Rafizi had previously challenged Azmin for the post in the 2014 and 2018 party polls, respectively.

Meanwhile, Wanita PKR’s legal and community development bureau chief Fadhlina Sidek today confirmed that she will be contesting for the Wanita PKR chief’s post.

The Dewan Negara senator will be challenging Selangor Wanita PKR chief Rodziah Ismail who announced her candidacy for the post yesterday.

Rodziah had contested for the Wanita PKR chief’s post in the 2014 party elections but lost to Zuraida Kamaruddin.

Zuraida retained her post unopposed in the 2018 party polls but was sacked by PKR in February 2020 following the Sheraton Move. The post has remained vacant since.

The PKR elections will take place from May 13 to 18, with nominations set for April 9.