Derail bid to sideline Anwar in party, says PKR lawmaker

PKR lawmaker S Kesavan has called on party members to derail a purported attempt to sideline de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim and his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

However, the Sungai Siput MP did not name who is behind the alleged move.

Kesavan, who would be contesting for one of the four vice-president positions in next month's party elections, urged members to ensure that Anwar wins the top post.

“Anwar is the backbone behind Pakatan Harapan's victory in the 14th general election. His 20 year- struggle led to this outcome. This cannot be denied.

“The same goes for Wan Azizah. The sacrifices of these two leaders cannot be ignored.

“However, there are certain quarters in PKR who are attempting to sideline Anwar and Wan Azizah. We must break this attempt,” he told Malaysiakini.

Kesavan also admitted that he is aligned to PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli, who would be contesting for the post of deputy president.

As it stands, Rafizi is slated to lock horns with incumbent Azmin Ali, who is also economic affairs minister, should the latter defend his post.

Azmin has been tightlipped about his plans for the PKR polls amid speculation that he might take on Anwar for the number one spot.

Kesavan claimed that an Anwar-Rafizi combination would be better than Anwar-Azmin at the helm.

“I am not belittling Azmin's contributions to the party. I have much respect for his struggle and contribution. But I believe the party needs a change.

“Azmin has been the deputy president for two terms under Wan Azizah (current president). Now that Wan Azizah is willing to step aside for Anwar, therefore, there must be a holistic change.

“The change should not only be confined to the posts of president and deputy president alone, but extend to the grassroots level as well, including the Youth, Wanita and Sri Kandi wings,” he added.

Kesavan also predicted that both Anwar and Rafizi have strong support among Indian leaders and members in PKR.

“Almost all of them support Anwar to be president. Whereas for Rafizi, I predict that the support for him to be number two is around 70 percent,” he said. - Mkini