Everyone was consulted on council posts, says Tian Chua

But PKR Youth leader calls for more clarity about how those appointed are selected and screened.

PKR leaders Tian Chua and Haniza Mohd Talha both questioned why Syed Badli Shah criticised the party.

PETALING JAYA: A complaint of factionalism in PKR local political appointments was soundly rejected by two party leaders, but a PKR Youth leader called for clarity about how local councillors were appointed.

PKR vice-president Tian Chua said local council appointments were made by consensus as “nobody gets everything, all interest groups are accommodated”.

Selangor state executive councillor Haniza Mohamed Talha, head of Selangor PKR women’s wing, said the process of selection involved MPs, state assemblymen, political parties, NGOs, and individuals.

“We received many names, and a selection was made then,” Haniza said.

However, PKR Youth leader Syukri Razab said the party leadership should clarify how the selection and screening of local council members was done, and how a decision was made.

“They also need to be serious about the proposals put forth by other groups and parties,” he told FMT.

Yesterday, Selangor PKR Youth secretary Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman stepped down saying, “It is clear political appointments are only given to those who show their loyalty to certain factions and not based on merit.”

Some party leaders were using political appointments as a reward for supporters, he said, and differences of opinions were not tolerated by “arrogant” state leaders.

Syed Badli’s criticisms come while PKR is preparing for party elections, scheduled to take place next month. Earlier, another vice-president, Dr Xavier Jayakumar, said such allegations were to be expected from factions during party elections.

Syed Badli’s outburst came under fire from Tian Chua and Haniza.

Tian Chua said the criticisms showed no respect for voters and the public’s trust in PKR. “This is an act of indiscipline and arrogance,” he said.

He said “Anyone who didn’t get an appointment should not lash out in the open” while Haniza said Syed Badli should not give the media the wrong perception by venting dissatisfaction. “Was it because you were not selected for a councillor position?” she asked.

Syed Badli had told FMT yesterday that he had no interest in a position and that his criticism applied also to the appointment of heads of Federal Village Development and Security Committees (JKKKP) and similar positions.

PKR Youth’s Syukri said PKR leaders should keep in mind Pakatan Harapan’s election pledge to elect local councillors based on merit. “Local council members are the closest to the grassroots. They need to be given the space to represent their communities,” he said. -FMT