Heads turned as they entered the room where a press conference was held to announce Anwar Ibrahim’s candidacy in the Port Dickson by-election.

It was learnt that Rafizi had arrived at the headquarters first, but waited for Azmin to walk in together.

Despite the verbal spats that have been flying between the two deputy president candidates of late, Rafizi and Azmin were seen smiling and chatting warmly with each other.

They were also joined by other leaders such as PKR deputy youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin and Ijok assemblyman Dr Idris Ahmad.

Their conversation appeared to centre on moving future press conferences to a bigger room given the increasing number of pressmen there.

“It was not so many before. I think we need to change rooms,” Rafizi said to Azmin.

“Pity the photographers who have no room to do their work.”

The relationship between the two had become strained as the race for the deputy president’s post heats up and amid talk of a split in the party.

However, Anwar, who is the incoming president, said the rivalry between the two would not divide the party.

The PKR elections will be held in stages from tomorrow to Oct 28, to elect the deputy president, vice-presidents, Youth chief, Wanita chief and members of the central leadership council.