Bkt Selambau: PKR TO ANNOUNCE CANDIDATE THIS FRIDAY

PKR is expected to spring a surprise by naming a total newcomer, S Manikumar, 35, as the Pakatan Rakyat candidate for the Bukit Selambau by-election on April 7.

Sources told malaysiakini that the party leadership has decided to cross out three names from the current list and opt for Manikumar even though he has limited political experience.

Previously, it was widely tipped that the party had shortlisted three potential candidates for the Bukit Selambau state seat in Kedah.

The three were Sungai Petani PKR division member Dr R Krishnamoorthy, the division's committee member S Sritharan and Merbok division committee member and Sungai Petani municipal councillor K Masilamani.

However, it is now learnt that the party has been persuaded by the state seat’s previous representative, V Arumugam, to run with Manikumar.

An official announcement on Manikumar's candidacy will be announced by PKR chief Anwar Ibrahim in Sungai Petani on Friday.

Nomination day for the by-election is on March 29.

The seat fell vacant following Arumugam’s (right) sudden decision to step down, citing pressure from Barisan Nasional for him to defect to the other side.

(Source: Malaysiakini)