Ali Biju deserves PKR national vice-president’s post, says branch leader
KUCHING: A Parti Keadilan Rakyat ( PKR) Sarawak man wants Saratok MP and Krian assemblyman Ali Biju to be appointed as vice- president for the party’s national 2018- 2021 line-up.
According to PKR Petra Jaya chairman Baharuddin Mokhsen, this is the wish of the majority of PKR branch leaders in Sarawak.
He points out that the party’s constitution provides the president the authority to appoint five members into its Central Leadership Council – two vicepresidents, one secretary-general, one information chief and one treasurer – along with 14 state chairmen.
Moreover, Baharuddin regards Ali as having a proven track record in his capacity as MP, assemblyman and also as PKR grassroots leader.
“Ali is very hardworking – he went against all odds to defeat Barisan Nasional ( BN) candidate in the last general election,” he said in a statement yesterday.
In addition, Baharuddin said PKR had some kind of ‘unwritten agreement’ between Sarawak and Sabah, whereby the appointment of the national vice- president could be rotated between the two states.
“In the last term, the position was given to Sabah. It’s only right that for this term, it should be given to Sarawak, and we feel that Ali Biju is the best person to be appointed vice-president,” he pointed out.
Baharuddin also took the opportunity to congratulate Works Minister Baru Bian on his re- election as PKR Sarawak chairman for the fourth term.
“With his good track record, he ( Baru) will definitely bring PKR Sarawak to greater heights.”
At the PKR National Congress early last month, the four party vice- presidents voted in were Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin, Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, and former Batu MP Tian Chua.
PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Sarawak last Friday to complete his engagement sessions with the state and divisional leaders there, before announcing the 24 appointed posts in the party.