‘Infighting, sabotage won’t affect my chances in Rantau’
By K Pragalath
EXCLUSIVE RANTAU: PKR’s candidate for the Rantau by-election Dr S Streram downplayed PKR’s internal infighting. He also dismissed the possibility of the sabotage affecting his chances in the by-election on Apr 13.
“The party polls are over. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been very inclusive in his leadership line-up. I don’t see it affecting the by-election here. It has been forgotten,” said the anaesthesiologist who is also Rantau PKR deputy division chief.
“Raising different opinions does not mean that there is infighting. We are inclusive and we have to work with everyone to secure the votes,” he added.
The issue was raised because lobbying for the semi urban seat was carried out in such a way that reflected the Azmin Ali – Rafizi Ramli split in the race for the deputy president post which was won by Azmin.
In the weeks prior to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim announcing Streram as the candidate, the Rantau division chief R Tanggam wanted to field his wife, K Bathmavathi who is also Rantau PKR division chief. There were also four other names.
Lobbying was done which resulted in PKR vice president Zuraida Kamaruddin stating the need for a female candidate. Zuraida is a known PKR leader allied to Azmin.
Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun meanwhile backed Streram and vice president Rafizi Ramli too had brushed off the notion of contesting the state seat.
The Leaders Online was told by PKR campaigners that Tanggam has been conspicuously missing from the ongoing campaign work.
“He would probably start work from nomination day onwards,” said a party worker.
Responding to this issue, Streram also dismissed the possibility of sabotage by his division chief.
“I don’t see the possibility of sabotage. We are an inclusive party and are all out to win. Tanggam also has appeared in several of my events,” he said.
He also saw a silver lining from the issue.
“People from all over now know Rantau because of the tiff. My re-nomination has made people focus on Rantau.”
Streram also agreed to the fact that he is an underdog as stated by Azmin a fortnight ago.
“I am an underdog. Mohamad Hasan has been the Menteri Besar for 15 years. I have been working here for over three years. I plead to the voters to give me a chance and they will see the difference between me and him.”
“There are issues unresolved for over 15 years and I would be able to resolve with the assistance of the state and federal governments.”
He has, among others, identified housing, health care, job opportunities and flood mitigation as major issues that he would resolve if he wins on April 13.
Streram however declined to comment on the issue of Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah referring to Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as a dictator.
Also Read: Streram: PKR is ideal platform for multiracial Malaysia
