‘NO SPLITS IN PKR’
Tussle for post shows principle of democracy in party, says president
PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has dismissed suggestions that splits have formed in the party, and stressed that the principle of democracy is what has led to a tussle for the party’s second-highest post.
Her comments followed an announcement by Rafizi Ramli that he was throwing his hat into the ring in the race for the deputy president’s post.
However, she declined to elaborate further.
Rafizi’s announcement and PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali’s reticence on his plans for the party’s leadership polls have fuelled rumours of camps forming around both men.
Azmin’s political secretary, Muhammad Hilman Idham, said the economic affairs minister welcomed Rafizi’s challenge.
Azmin said he welcomed anyone who wanted to “contest the posts of president, deputy or any other position”.
The post of president has been seen as a lock for PKR de facto leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, so Azmin’s comment heightens speculation that he may face off with his mentor for the top post.
It is unclear whether Dr Wan Azizah will make way for her husband, Anwar, to contest the post, which she has held for 20 years.
The plot thickened when PKR outgoing Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin called for the party not to block challengers for top leadership positions, while openly praising Azmin for his capabilities. However, she has reserved comments on whether she is supporting him should he contest the top post.
Dr Wan Azizah and Anwar’s daughter, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah, has said little about Azmin’s silence on his plans for the polls.
When asked to comment, Nurul Izzah reportedly said: “What do you think?”
But the Permatang Pauh member of parliament said all was well between her father and Azmin.