PKR’s Penanti assemblywoman Norlela Ariffin's decision to contest three division and two state posts has raised questions of her eligibility to do so.

She is running for the chief, deputy and vice-chairperson positions in the Permatang Pauh division, as well the deputy and vice-chief posts in the women's wing at state level.
 
Even if the PKR's party constitution allows it, questions also arise as to what would happen if she wins all posts.

Asked if the party's constitution has any provision for members holding multiple posts, Penang PKR returning officer Law Choo Kiang said it is silent on the matter. “In reality it is very difficult to happen.”

The Penang state legislative assembly speaker added after the nomination list is announced, candidates have seven days to withdraw or protest.
 
"If Norlela’s (left) opponents are not happy, they can submit objections and let the party election commission decide."

He said there are others also contesting multiple positions.
 
All incumbent heads in the 13 state divisions are facing challenges at the PKR direct elections from Apr 25 to May 11.
 
Not present

Norlela said she was not present at the nominations at Yayasan Aman, Bukit Mertajam last Saturday, and had asked her staff to fill in whatever posts she could contest in as she did not know who were the others running.
 
"I did not plan to run but when I saw other assemblypersons contesting, I consulted my family and leaders and they encouraged me to go for it, but I wasn't sure for which post.
 
"My goal is to align and consolidate members at the constituency, the village development and security committee (JKKK) and division level so we can work together as one team in this next three to four years.

"This is to make people's lives better in Penanti and Permatang Pauh and strengthen PKR there," she stressed.
 
However, the first time assemblywoman said she will discuss her situation with the other candidates to see whether it would be better to withdraw from the division elections.
 
"Only division chiefs or deputies can sit in the state political bureau which makes decisions on the appointment of JKKK members, municipal councillors, general election candidates and party delegates," she said.
 
"I don't want to be an assemblyperson but my hands are tied. For example, last year there was a six months delay in the appointments of the chairperson and committee members of the JKKK in Penanti," she lamented.
 
The JKKK committee is an important feature in the constituency as its members are on the ground to aid the assemblyperson in his or her daily duties.