Don: ‘Clash of titans’ may affect party
KUALA LUMPUR: Analysts believe that a “clash of the titans” for the post of deputy president in PKR’s polls may end up weakening the party, especially at a time when Pakatan Harapan has yet to gain solid footing.
Universiti Malaya political analyst Associate Professor Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said the challenge by PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli against Datuk Seri Azmin Ali for the deputy presidency would, no doubt, have an impact on the party.
“This will also tie back to issues, such as the election manifesto, race, religion and language, which are still fresh in the mind of Malay conservatives.
“This will also prove to be a test of trust and loyalty within the leadership, with word that there is a groundswell of support, even among influential figures, for Rafizi to take on Azmin.
“This support stems from a desire to see PKR return to the spirit of Reformasi, which some believe is under threat,” he told the New Straits Times Press.
He said there appeared to be conflicting perceptions and perspectives within the party.
“In any case, it will be difficult to take down Azmin’s vast 20year-old network of influence within the grassroots, ever since the reformasi movement began in 1998.
“Azmin wields great influence within the grassroots, especially given his seniority within PKR compared with Rafizi,” he said.
Azman, however, said it was interesting to note how Rafizi’s supporters were claiming stronger support.
“A recent report in a news portal quoted a PKR MP as saying that Azmin had made decisions which were not in the interest of the party.
“This was supposedly evident in Azmin’s role in the formation of the cabinet after the 14th General Election, as well as in the selection of the Selangor menteri besar,” he said.
He also noted that the potential clash between Azmin and Rafizi would indirectly shed more light on the future of PKR’s leadership.