Anwar: Factionalism not the reason why leaders absent from convention

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim denied that factionalism was the cause for prominent party leaders to not attend the party’s Penang state convention in Bukit Mertajam today.

Anwar (photo) said since about 90 percent of state delegates attended the convention, it cannot be deemed that the party was mired in factionalism.

"Ninety percent attendance is not factionalism. People always say we got factions.

"In Johor, we had 100 percent attendance. All divisions attended. Those who did not attend, you ask them lah," Anwar told reporters after his speech at the convention.

"For me, 100 percent in Johor. In Selangor, the Selangor Menteri Besar Aminuddin Shari came to discuss the next convention. This is positive," Anwar added.

"For the (missing) one or two percent, who has 100 percent in this world?"

At a press conference, Anwar was asked why prominent leaders like Nibong Tebal MP Mansor Othman, Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin were absent from the convention.

Anwar said Nurul was in Kuala Lumpur for a convention, while Afif was in United States.

"I do not know about Mansor's reason for absence".

Since Anwar was released from prison last year, the factionalism involving supporters of deputy president Azmin Ali and Anwar has intensified.

These led to top profile leaders like Azmin, who is Economic Affairs Minister and vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin, the Housing and Local Government Minister, being absent from party meetings.

The duo always maintained they had good reasons, including ministerial duties, for not attending the internal meetings.

Last month, Zuraida said at least 20 central committee members wanted to meet Anwar for a "reconciliation".

But Anwar had refused to entertain Zuraida, urging her to attend party meetings, saying sarcastically that coffee and tea will be served. - Mkini