Zaid is PKR's choice for Hulu Selangor (Update)
PETALING JAYA: Despite objections from certain quarters, PKR has decided to field former Laaw Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim as its candidate in the Hulu Selangor by-election.
The decision was made at the political bureau meeting Tuesday morning, about 12 hours before the official announcement in Serendah scheduled for Tuesday night.
PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is convinced Zaid is the best candidate despite doubts raised by some PKR leaders.
It is learnt that some PAS leaders were also not happy over PKR’s choice of candidate.
“But that is what Anwar wants. If the leadership has decided, we just follow,’’ said a PKR MP who declined to be named.
It is learnt that PKR had short-listed three candidates - Zaid, neurosurgeon Dr Halili Rahmat and MTUC president Syed Shahir Syed Mohamud.
“Syed Shahir’s name was dropped almost immediately. We only had to decide between Zaid and Dr Halili.
“As the support for Zaid was stronger, Anwar decided to pick him,’’ said another MP.
A ground survey also showed that Zaid, who had presumably fought for judicial reformation, could easily attract the Chinese votes, he said.
Hulu Selangor seat fell vacant following the death of MP Datuk Dr Zainal Abidin Ahmad on March 25.
The majority of the electorate in the Hulu Selangor parliamentary constituency are Malays (52.7%) followed by Chinese (26.3%), Indians (19%), and others 1.7%.
“We see him as a heavyweight who can take on Barisan Nasional,’’ said another party member.
Following Zaid’s candidature, PKR is now split into three factions.
One faction has decided not to work too hard to ensure Zaid’s victory, and another faction is planning to go all out to sabotage him. Of course, his supporters will work hard to ensure his win.
