KUALA LUMPUR, 15 Apr: The negotiations for seats and each candidate contesting in the 14th General Election (GE14) needs to be finalised latest by March 2015.
The PKR Secretary-General, Datuk Saifuddin Nasution, said this is to enable candidates who will be contesting to be given time to build a good image among voters and strengthen the election machinery.
He said that this is practical because if the seat negotiations for the GE14 is finalised early, more intensive preparations can be done.
“Negotiating seats with DAP and PAS should begin immediately and finalised this year.
“This gives room for PKR to choose and screen candidates as early as August 2014 and start giving credentials to serve in their respective seats,” he said in a press conference at the PKR headquarters.
In addition, he said, the GE14 is an important moment for young voters, estimated to be 60 percent below 30 years, to determine the direction of the country.
He said efforts should be done in a more structured manner to put forward young leaders by giving them the opportunity of important functions in the party.
Additionally, Saifuddin explained that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) will also have to face the issue of racism played by Umno to scare Malay voters.
“PKR itself should strengthen its campaign to defend the position of Muslims, without being prejudice to non-Muslims, to practice their teachings in this country,” he said.