For a party which claims to have a five-point blueprint for success in the coming general elections, Keadilan is yet to appoint an information chief to implement its propaganda strategies.

Sources say Ruslan Kassim, the party's former information chief, will be persuaded to accept the post even though he had rejected president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail's offer recently.

"We will wait for him," said a source close to the leadership. "This is how important he (Ruslan) is to us. He will make up his mind after Hari Raya."

The source, who requested anonymity, added that Ruslan had done "a good job" during his term as publicity chief.

"Despite being pro-Abim (Muslim Malaysian Youth Movement), he is very committed and has worked very hard," he said.

Another source said Ruslan was "persuaded and influenced" by former secretary-general Mohd Anuar Tahir to pledge solidarity with the 'gang of four'.

"That may be the reason for his indecision to take up the post," claimed the source who also declined to be named.

The 'gang of four' is comprised of Ruslan, Anuar, Dr Muhammad Nur Manuty, the defeated deputy president candidate, and Mustafa Kamil Ayub, who lost the deputy youth chief post to Lunas state assembly representative Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Common stand

On Wednesday, The Star reported that Ruslan was not ready to accept the offer of another term as information chief.

He was quoted as saying he wanted to take a common stand with the other three who also declined to take up any post when offered.

When contacted, Keadilan's present secretary-general Sahri Bahri said the party was waiting for the president to make announcements regarding any future development on this matter.

There is widespread speculation that jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim's former press secretary Khalid Jaafar will be appointed if Ruslan is steadfast about not accepting the post.

Asked to comment on this, Sahri did not deny that Khalid was offered the post but dismissed the possibility of him taking it up as the newly appointed Negeri Sembilan chief is burdened with other party obligations.

Khalid who took over as Negeri Sembilan Keadilan chief from Ruslan recently is also a supreme council member and the chief editor of Berita Keadilan - the party organ.

"Even if he is appointed he may not take up the post due to his commitment in all three positions," said Sahri.

Blueprint

On another matter, Sahri said Keadilan has prepared a five-point blueprint to face the coming general elections.

"One of the main tasks is to return the mood of the people for reformasi. The 'feel good' days are over and it is time to go to the ground and work hard," he said.

"We are also going to do this collectively, which means supreme council leaders have to go to the ground as a group and not individually or with certain groups only," he added.

This strategy, sources say, is to dispel the perception that the party is beset with a factionalism crisis.

Sahri said the party will also identify and mould potential leaders for the coming general elections.

He stressed the party has resolved to strengthen its organisation by seeking fast approval for 73 branches which are yet to be endorsed by the Registrar of Societies. Keadilan currently has120 registered branches.

It is learnt that Anuar during his tenure as secretary-general failed to expedite the registration of those branches to 'sabotage' the PRM-Keadilan merger.