All is not what it seems
A stern Anwar promises to put PKR straight and purge its vagaries
‘As who a is person older than him and as someone who is like an elder brother, I had spontaneously gone to him to greet him’ - Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali
‘I don’t like to see us having gone through such a difficult and arduous (voting) process, which is flawed’ - Nurul Izzah Anwar
‘I decided not to prolong the contest, because if this continued, the one who gets attacked will be Anwar’ - Rafizi Ramli
‘When we become leaders, we must take care and control them (machai machai) and bring in the spirit of unity’ - Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (pic) has finally arrived at his rightful place after two decades of political uncertainty and challenges.
The 71-year-old PKR icon took over the party’s stewardship from his wife Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail yesterday.
Unfortunately, Anwar’s entry as the party president was mired by his unhappiness due to various issues plaguing the party as well as the poor conduct of some of the party members.
And the first thing Anwar vowed to do is to set the party straight and purge PKR of its current vagaries and weaknesses, including the party’s trouble-riddled electoral system at the 13th PKR national congress.
“I have issued an open statement that I am unhappy with the way the system was carried out and we must admit that this election system is weak with many shortcomings,’’ said Anwar.
He said he believed in party Central Election Committee (CEC) chairman Datuk Rashid Din’s integrity but some of the election officials who were selected from among the party members had abused their power.
Anwar added that these select few were oblivious to the fact that they were not required to favour their candidates of choice.
Anwar said because of these and so many reports lodged subsequently, PKR’s image had taken a beating.
“And people said Anwar needs to be stern and manage the problem,’’ said Anwar, adding that these commentators did not know that the election committee had to be free of any interference, including from him.
Anwar said now that the elections were over, he could, promising to be stern and instil discipline in the party.
“I will not point fingers at anyone as I know how difficult it was staying up until 2am or 3am and work is still unsettled,’’ he added.
Anwar also lambasted the habit of badmouthing that was prevalent amongst certain quarters in the party and said this should end immediately.
As example, he spoke of allegations that some leaders travelled in a sponsored aircraft.
“I want such nasty and stupid talk to be stopped,’’ said Anwar, adding that those who could be easily bought over or bribed were not eligible to be leaders.
He also chastised the followers of some leaders who were responsible for increased tension and exhibited animosity – which were far intense than that of their leaders.
To this, some party members jeered when the names of certain leaders were called up.
One was when controversial Julau division chief Larry Sng, who made it into the supreme council, was called to receive his certificate of accreditation.
“The machai machai (lackeys) are worst,” said an angry Anwar.
“When we become leaders, we must take care and control them and bring in the spirit of unity.”
Anwar also ticked off some party leaders who were absent from the congress.
He also stressed that deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali and outgoing vice-president Rafizi Ramli had contributed equally well towards the party’s betterment.
Later at a press conference, Anwar also revealed the leader he was referring to for not attending the congress.
“Baru Bian. I don’t know. He did not give a reason, that’s why I called out this behaviour in my speech,” said Anwar.