BANGI – PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has dismissed suggestions that splits have formed in PKR, and stressed that the principle of democracy is what has led to a tussle for the party’s second-highest post.
Her comments follow a recent announcement by Rafizi Ramli that he is throwing his hat in the ring in the race for PKR’s deputy president position.
Dr Wan Azizah, who was met after she launched the National Ambiliptic Games here, however, declined to elaborate further.
Rafizi’s announcement and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s reticence on his own plans for the party’s leadership poll have fuelled rumours of camps forming around both men.
Azmin’s political secretary Muhammad Hilman Idham has said that the Economic Affairs Minister welcomes the challenge by Rafizi.
But Azmin also made the ambiguous statement that he would welcome anyone who wants to “contest the posts of president, deputy, or any other position.”
PKR president and Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (left) visits the Bangi Industrial and Rehabilitation Centre (PLPP Bangi). Pic by ASWADI ALIAS
The post of president has been seen as a lock for PKR de-facto leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, so Azmin’s comment has heightened speculation that he will face-off with his mentor for the top post.
It is also unclear if Dr Wan Azizah will make way for her husband Anwar to contest the post which she has held for 20 years.
The plot further thickened when the party’s outgoing Wanita chief, Zuraida Kamaruddin, called for PKR not to block challengers for the top leadership positions, while openly praising Azmin for his capabilities.
She has, however, reserved comments on whether she is supporting him should he contest the top post.
Anwar’s daughter, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, has said little about Azmin’s silence on his plans for the polls. When asked to comment, she had reportedly said: “What do you think?”
The Permatang Pauh MP, however, stated that all is well between her father and his protégé, Azmin. She has also repeatedly said that Rafizi deserves the same attention as her father in his fight for justice over the years.
Rafizi is embroiled in several court cases and was bound for two years last month on a good behaviour bond of RM10,000 in one surety for exposing a page of the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) audit report. — NST
S’gor PKR sees another resignation over ‘cronyism, nepotism’
Selangor PKR’s woes continue as yet another youth leader resigned out of dissatisfaction with the state party leadership.
Abdul Mutalib Ahmad announced he quit as Sabak Bernam PKR Youth chief and Pakatan Harapan Youth secretariat chairperson today, claiming contributions of the youth and talented members were not being valued.
He was unhappy that no one from Sabak Bernam PKR Youth had been appointed local councillors, lamenting their hard work during the 14th general election had not been appreciated.
“Did the Sabak Bernam Youth not contribute?” he asked.
“It is clear that the party practises cronyism and nepotism in all its political decisions.
“Only those with vested interests and sycophants are given priority,” he said in a statement.
Mutalib said “dirty tactics and cronyism have become a cancer in the party”, and therefore decided to resign from his posts out of principle.
His move follows Selangor PKR Youth secretary Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman resigningfrom his post yesterday, claiming democracy was “dead” in the party.
Syed Badli’s resignation prompted Sepang PKR division deputy chief Suziana Musa and Sepang PKR division women’s wing chief M Nermala Dewi to issue a statement in solidarity, claiming such practices were evident in the appointment of local government representatives, citing Sepang in particular. — M’kini
FMT / NST
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