Party members have mixed views on action against Zuraida

PKR grassroots leaders have expressed mixed feelings about the party's purported plan to act against vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin.

PKR Taman Sri Indah (Balik Pulau) branch chief John Ooh said it is "unfair and unjust" to take such a dramatic course of action against a pioneering leader.

He said the groups trying to oust her have forgotten her sacrifices and contributions during PKR's difficult, early years.

"Zuraida is very dear to the grassroots and veterans. Such an action (against Zuraida) may potentially create more displeasure among members," Ooh told Malaysiakini.

Ooh questioned if the party was selectively taking disciplinary action.

"If the party is perceived to be practising favouritism (or double standards), it will potentially cause unrest within," he cautioned.

Ooh was referring to the 46 PKR leaders today who issued a joint statement denouncing what they called a "planned attempt" to undermine the party and Pakatan Harapan.

The same leaders urged the party to stop taking action against Zuraida who is also housing and local government minister.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has responded by saying the disciplinary board could not be "forced into making decisions" on Zuraida.

Of the 46 signatories, 38 are elected representatives.

On Jan 18, Zuraida was issued a show-cause letter by the PKR disciplinary board though the reason was not made public.

She later said it might be related to her speech in December criticising Anwar.

Zuraida is linked to party deputy president and Economic Affairs Minister Azmin Ali who is openly at loggerheads with Anwar reportedly over the prime minister's post.

Meanwhile, a hardcore reformist since 1999, Annuar Ismail dismissed the 46 signatories as "insignificant".

"Compared to the number of PKR elected representatives, assemblypersons and MOs, 46 is nothing," said Annuar, who hails from Sungai Petani, Kedah.

He prefers Zuraida to leave the party as it would be better for Pakatan Harapan in the long run.

"She has challenged the party to sack her so we should kick out troublesome ones like that," Annuar told Malaysiakini.

Annuar said certain leaders had become "big-headed" since former Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim was sacked from his post.

"What does it indicate when such leaders like Tian Chua are booed by party delegates in Melaka?" he asked.

At the party's congress in Melaka on Dec 8, Tian Chua was booed when his speech touched on Anwar's impending premiership. - Mkini