Sparks flew between two top PKR leaders yesterday over the delayed appointment of the Penang PKR chief, a post left vacant following the surprise resignation of Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar in December.
Seberang Jaya assemblyperson Dr Afif Bahardin has taken the party's secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution to task for urging him to be "patient and respect the powers of the party president".
Afif said his call for the post to be speedily filled was merely a "reminder" to party leaders.
"Can't anyone in the party say anything anymore? I did not mean to upset the party leadership when I issued a gentle reminder on the urgency of filling the post," Afif told reporters in Penang yesterday.
"I think the secretary misunderstood my intentions in urging the party to appoint a state chief as soon as possible," said the former PKR deputy youth chief.
The Penang executive councillor pointed out that other states already have their chiefs appointed, except for Penang, and the delay leaves "many issues unresolved".
"We are stuck in several issues such as deciding on the political appointments in state government-linked companies and other agencies," Afif quipped.
Yesterday, Saifuddin was quoted in the media as saying that Afif should be "patient” and “respect the powers” of the party president, Anwar Ibrahim.
He also remarked that the assemblyperson and state cabinet member should focus on his job as there is much work to be done in those areas.
In a tit-for-tat move, Afif shot back at Saifuddin. "Perhaps the secretary-general did not understand the situation as he is busy in Putrajaya.
"Penang PKR is in dire need of leadership, he should understand why we need the party to act now instead of delaying the appointment of a state chief."
Three likely candidates
Afif went on to take a further swipe at Saifuddin, saying that he must do his job as secretary-general and inform the party president about Penang PKR situation.
The tiff started on Monday when Afif called for the state party chief’s post to be filled immediately, saying the matter was "crucial" as it affected PKR's contribution and duties to the state administration.
The post was left vacant when Nurul Izzah announced her shock resignation as state chief as well as all party and government appointments on Dec 17.
In her quit statement, Nurul Izzah said, "There are beliefs and ideals I hold dear and I feel that I can be most true to them by taking this course of action."
It is learnt that the party leadership has shortlisted three candidates - Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman and Batu Maung assemblyperson Abdul Halim Hussain - with Bakhtiar being the most likely choice to fill the post. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.