Zuraida rejects claims of cronyism in PKR

She says what is important in the appointments of local councillors is that they can do their work.

KUALA LUMPUR: PKR’s Zuraida Kamaruddin has rejected charges of cronyism and nepotism in the party, in the wake of resignations by two party leaders in Selangor who protested the appointments of local councillors in the state.

Zuraida, who is the housing and local government minister, also defended the appointments.

“There is nothing wrong putting someone in the position even if they are related by blood.

“It is not an issue as long as they can do their work,” she told reporters today.

Selangor PKR Youth secretary Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman and Sabak Bernam PKR Youth chief Abdul Mutalib Ahmad recently resigned from their posts, citing cronyism and nepotism in the appointment of local councillors.

Among others, they said party hierarchy was ignored, and a select few seen close to certain individuals were promoted.

The resignations came as PKR prepared for its first internal polls after winning the May 9 general election.

Earlier, a source within the party blamed the appointments to a federal minister.

“The minister is appointing anyone the minister wants as councillors and in doing so, is undermining the Selangor menteri besar,” the source told FMT, referring to Amirudin Shari.

Meanwhile, Zuraida, who is seen as a key alley of PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali, has welcomed Rafizi Ramli’s candidacy for the post, saying it was part of the democractic system in the party.

She said Rafizi announced his candidacy for the number two post because he felt he was qualified.

“Rafizi can contest for the post as it is open for anyone,” the PKR women’s chief said.

Azmin, who is the economic affairs minister, will most likely defend his post, but has remained coy about this. Zuraida, too, has not announced whether she will contest for any post. -FMT