23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'I have no cai, I review based on merit,' says Anwar on PKR party elections
JOHOR BARU: It is better to evaluate candidates based on individual merit rather than relying on 'cai' (preferred candidate lists), said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The prime minister, who is also PKR president, said he took a longer time to review each candidate for the party's central leadership as he was not guided by any 'cai'.
"I don't have a 'cai', which is why I took some time — I want to review each candidate.
"Let's look for the best and vote. That is the proper way to do it," he said when met after casting his vote at the PKR party elections today.
Anwar was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the PKR Advisory Council chairman.
Also present were PKR Central Election Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
When asked which campaign he supported — 'Jelajah Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa' (Hiruk) or 'Dari Akar, Membina Aspirasi Inklusif' (Damai) — Anwar said he supported both.
"Hiruk and Damai. If some have their own 'cai' here and others there, I don't.
"I hope when making decisions, both are taken into account, and we go with the best," he said.
Anwar is expected to officiate the opening of the PKR National Congress 2025 at the Persada International Convention Centre later today.
Asked about the content of his speech and whether there would be any critical remarks, Anwar quipped:
"Has there ever been a presidential speech without jabs? Of course, there will be some remarks."
Commenting on PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's attendance, Anwar, who is also the Tambun member of Parliament, said Rafizi should have no qualms attending the congress in light of his position.
He added that he expects Rafizi to attend, despite speculation that he may not.
"I think he will come. He has not said anything, but I assume he will. He is the deputy president, so he should attend," he said, adding that Rafizi had no issues with his responsibilities and continued to attend Cabinet meetings regularly.
