Zuraida: Normal to have ‘camps’ ahead of party polls

KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin acknowledged the existence of multiple camps in the party as it heads into election mode.

PKR is set to hold its much-anticipated party polls next month, with nomination for candidates set on Aug 5.

Zuraida, who is Ampang MP, said it was usual to have camps among party members ahead of the election.

“If there are contests, there are meant to be camps. Otherwise, there won’t be any contest. Am I right?” she told a press conference in Parliament, here, yesterday.

Asked if this was healthy for the party, she said: “Yes, it should be. We practise democracy. Democratic practices allow people to contest. Let them contest. After that they can be friends.”

Rumours have been rife that there were two camps in the party, a claim that PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail had earlier this month rubbished.

Her husband, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, had announced on July 15 that he would be contesting for the president’s post, with Wan Azizah to make way.

Deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali had also hinted last week he would be going for the top post, but has yet to make any announcement.

Zuraida said she has yet to decide on which position to contest, adding that she would make an announcement soon.

She had previously said she would not defend her position as Wanita chief. Speculation was rife that she would vie for the vice-president post.