Anwar Takes Over Pandan As Adopted Constituency

KUALA LUMPUR, May 23 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president, has taken over Pandan as his adopted parliamentary constituency following the departure of its former MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli from the party.

PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said Prime Minister’s senior political adviser Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz had meanwhile been appointed as the party’s monitoring officer for the constituency.

The Selangor Menteri Besar said the move was part of the party leadership’s effort to reorganise the administration of the parliamentary service centre and party machinery in the constituency.

“So we have arranged for (Tengku Zafrul) to serve as the government’s representative and, of course, the Prime Minister’s representative in Pandan,” he said during his speech at the Himpunan Setia Keadilan Pandan gathering here today.

Amirudin said Tengku Zafrul’s appointment to oversee Pandan was made at Anwar’s own request, as the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA) chairman wanted to play a more active role in Selangor politics.

“Tengku Zafrul has also been entrusted to monitor the Ampang parliamentary constituency. However, the leadership in Ampang consists of PKR members, so I do not want to interfere further. But if any issues arise in Ampang, Tengku Zafrul can also look into them,” he said.

According to Amirudin, although the party faced challenges in managing constituencies vacated by former PKR leaders, it had not disrupted or weakened the party’s services and operations.

“This is not something new. We experienced this before involving former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali in Gombak and former vice-president Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin in Ampang.

“That was how we managed the administration and, in the end, our victory margin in Ampang increased compared with the previous election,” he said.

On May 17, Pandan MP Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced their resignations effective May 18 before leaving PKR on May 19.

Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul, speaking at the same event, expressed hope for strong support from PKR leaders and grassroots members in Pandan to ensure the party’s activities could be carried out effectively in the constituency.

“I need guidance and advice from all of you. I sincerely hope everyone will join me in reaching every corner of Ampang and Pandan, whether in housing areas or villages.

“I may not be the best, but InsyaAllah, I give my commitment that I will do my best to reach every home of those in need, regardless of background, religion or race,” he said.

-- BERNAMA