Selangor PKR has opted out from signing a joint statement with three other Harapan component parties endorsing the opposition's declarations at its second national convention last Sunday.

The joint statement released yesterday was only signed by Selangor Amanah chairperson Izham Hashim, Selangor DAP chairperson Tony Pua and Selangor Bersatu chairperson Abdul Rashid Asari.

"On behalf of Amanah, DAP and Bersatu, we would like to stress our unwavering support towards all declarations made during the convention," read the statement.

Among others, the declaration was to announce Bersatu chairperson Dr Mahathir Mohamad as their prime minister candidate and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as his deputy.

Aside from the prime minister's candidate, Harapan also announced its seat distributions for the 14th general election, and its commitment towards appointing jailed former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as the eighth prime minister.

Anwar himself, through a statement read by his daughter and PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah, also said his party has accepted the decisions made by Harapan's leadership.

However, Selangor PKR leaders continue to oppose naming Mahathir as the coalition’s prime minister candidate.

Selangor PKR is led by Menteri Besar Mohamed Azmin Ali, with PKR Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin as his deputy.

Following the declaration, Zuraida (photo) had voiced her objections against the practice of "recycling" leaders.

While stressing that she had no personal problems with Mahathir, Zuraida said it would be more appropriate to appoint the former premier as a "senior minister" in a Harapan cabinet.

Selangor PKR communications bureau chief Hizwan Azman, meanwhile, noted that Malaysia requires more "fresh leaders" to move the country beyond a "cycle of destruction" by BN.

Meanwhile, Pua refused to comment on the possible reasons behind Selangor PKR's absence from the declaration.

Harapan's declaration on Sunday was supposed to end the debate over Mahathir's return to power as Harapan's prime minister candidate, a move that had triggered objections from certain quarters.