PKR Youth secretary Omar Mokhtar A Manap has signalled his readiness to enter the fray after grassroots members urged him to contest.

“I acknowledge that I have received requests from my fellow PKR Youth members regarding the deputy chief position and I am open to considering the request.

“However, for now, we must collectively provide space and allow the youth elections at the branch level to proceed first,” the special duties officer to home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told FMT.

His remarks come amid speculation that he is among those being considered for the position.

Kota Damansara assemblyman Izuan Kasim and PKR Youth exco member Arshad Hassni have already declared their candidacy for the PKR Youth deputy chief post.

Omar added that his decision to contest the party’s number two youth post is aimed at strengthening PKR while also preparing the party for the 16th general election to secure Anwar Ibrahim’s second term as prime minister.

“It will also serve as a platform to prepare a leadership lineup that can work effectively and support Kamil Munim, who is widely expected to lead PKR Youth.

“The new leadership must not only be ‘champions’ within the party but must also foster strong ties with allies in Pakatan Harapan, Barisan Nasional, as well as leaders in Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.