PETALING JAYA: PKR's Chuah assemblyman Datuk Michael Yek Diew Ching has withdrawn from contesting the vice-president post in the upcoming party polls.

       According to Yek, he made the decision as there were "too many candidates" contesting the vice-presidency at the moment.

       "There's 17 candidates for vice-presidency. Too many candidates," Yek said.

       Yek also said his withdrawal, which came following discussions with the party's top leadership, was to ensure there would be at least one Chinese leader elected as one of the four vice-presidents in PKR.

       "Yes, indeed I had withdrawn after discussing with the top leadership of the party.

       "It is for unity and making sure that at least a Chinese person emerges in the top four.

       "I hope to see all races represented and elected," said Yek.

       Currently, there are 16 candidates contesting the vice-president position including Tanjung Malim MP Chang Lih Kang, Selangor Mentri Besar Amirudin Shari and Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil..

       Others include former PKR Perak chairman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak, Alor Setar MP Chan Ming Kai, Kapar MP Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid and Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

       There are four vice-president posts up for grabs at the party polls and the party's central leadership council has the prerogative to appoint three co-opted vice-presidents.

       The PKR elections for the 2022 - 2025 term will take place from May 13 to 19, involving about 1.2 million members voting physically and online.