'More democratic' PKR won't punish doomsayers, says Anwar

PKR will not emulate Bersatu in penalising leaders who predict Pakatan Harapan's defeat in the next general election, said its president Anwar Ibrahim.

“That is Bersatu's view. To me, whatever the opinion might be, it must be evaluated and scrutinised.

“In PKR, there is greater democratic space to air views. So no action would be taken against PKR leaders who do this (foretell defeat for Harapan),” he told reporters in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who is also Bersatu chairperson, said action would be taken against those who tarnished the party's image by claiming that Harapan would be defeated in the next polls.

The remark is believed to be aimed at Bersatu supreme council member Rais Hussin.

Although not naming him directly, Mahathir said those who sit on the council must be careful with their public statements.

On a separate matter, Anwar said he had already responded to one of the three letters sent to him by his vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin to discuss party issues.

However, the other letters will be replied by PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution, he said.

“The secretary-general will answer (Zuraida’s letters). But I have already answered one,” he said in a press conference after a reform caucus meeting at the parliament building today.

On Aug 28, Zuraida said she had not been attending PKR central leadership meetings because Anwar had not responded to the letters she sent to discuss problems within the party.

Zuraida said the letters were meant to set up a meeting with Anwar along with selected PKR central leadership members to resolve any issues that have arisen.

Last Sunday, several PKR leaders still did not attend the central leadership meeting despite a reminder being sent out by Saifuddin.

Among those absent were deputy president Azmin Ali, Zuraida and Selangor PKR chairperson Amirudin Shari.

Elaborating further, Anwar, who is also the Port Dickson MP, asked Zuraida to attend every meeting held by the party.

“We have a forum, we have the political bureau meetings every week and the central leadership meetings every month. Please attend,” he said.

Anwar also responded to Zuraida saying that fate will decide whether Anwar will become prime minister.

“Live or die, it all depends on fate.

“Minister or not, it is all fate. So, I believe in fate,” he said. - Mkini