Anwar Ibrahim, however, is keeping everyone guessing over Pakatan Rakyat candidates for the Papar state seats.
PAPAR: Pakatan Rakyat confirmed today that it will field Ibrahim Menudin for the Federal Territory of Labuan parliamentary seat.This puts to rest claims by PAS and earlier by DAP that it will be contesting the seat.
Pakatan Rakyat leader Anwar Ibrahim made the announcement in his speech at Kampung Kawang, near here today, ending speculations that had caused a rift between coalition members in Labuan.
Ibrahim was at one time a Sabah Umno treasurer. He was also a director of state-owned company Suria Capital Holdings Bhd prior to joining the opposition party.
Labuan has been a subject of rumours for some time as all three Pakatan partners – PKR, DAP and PAS – had openly made known their interest to take on the Barisan Nasional at the coming polls on May 5.
Anwar made no other announcement as to candidates in Sabah.
Many had expected him to also announce Pakatan candidates for the seats around Papar areas, which had also been subject of interest from component party members.
“Please wait [for the announcement]. We will make it in one announcement later…” he said, without giving any indication to when it will be.
But many within PKR had claimed that Anwar could be announcing the list as early as tomorrow where he is scheduled to appear at a party function early morning.
Anwar’s reluctance
According to insiders, keen tussles among aspiring candidates are still taking place especially within Sabah PKR which has non-party members – Wilfred Bumburing-led APS and Lajim Ukin helmed PPS – as its strong allies.