Azmin keeps mum on Blackout 505 rallies

Although PKR has organised seven Blackout 505 rallies nationwide so far, it appears that there are still differences of opinion regarding the mega-rallies at the highest echelons of the party’s leadership. 

In the opening speech of the PKR ninth women’s wing and youth wing congress in Petaling Jaya today, PKR deputy president Mohd Azmin Ali made no direct reference to the ongoing series of rallies protesting against alleged electoral fraud in which his party’s de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim is the main speaker. 

Falling short of encouraging such rallies, he merely acknowledged the right to peaceful assembly as a constitutional right and condemned any move to curtail it. 

Instead, he backed the Bersih People’s Tribunal and legal challenges as the main means of combatting electoral fraud. 

“(Bersih co-chairperson) Ambiga Sreenevesan and Bersih’s suggestion to hold a public tribunal should become the people’s platform to show proof and voice opposition to the undemocratic election results.

“(Party) branches, election agents and members of the public should come forward with solid proof for lawyers to commence legal proceedings,” he said. 

His stance is in line with his previous statement, where he voiced disapproval of the series of mega-rallies, saying that it was too much politicking and the party should get to work instead.

“I am not against the right to assemble, this is enshrined in the constitution... but are we to rally every day, week and month? 

“We should start working, and not be politicking too much as the next election is a few years ahead,” he said at a press conference two weeks ago. 

‘Need to seek common ground’

In his speech today, Azmin also diverged from his party line by urging PKR to seek common ground with the federal government to avoid a protracted conflict. 

“I am of the opinion that all parties need to temper their moral courage to initiate political dialogue and engagement across the political divide. 

“If we claim to serve the people, are patriotic, and put the majority people’s interests ahead of partisan interests, then we need to seek common ground to bring political development in Malaysia,” he said. 

He also cited Prophet Muhammad’s example in the events surrounding the Treaty of Hudaibiyyah to back his call, where negotiations - in spite of His companion’s opposition - helped break an impasse with the Quraish tribe in Mecca. 

“However this Hudaibiyyah treaty helped to start dialogue and engagement that ultimately led to an Islamic victory. We need to work on the Prophet’s wisdom to ensure the people’s victory,” he said. 

This is in contrast to other party leaders, including Anwar, who have continued to attack the BN government in their speeches.