The Malaysian Insight

PKR is in turmoil after its deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali openly objected to party president Anwar Ibrahim’s choice of candidates for the party’s central leadership council (MPP).

The economic affairs minister yesterday issued a statement asking Anwar to review the appointments which he said did not reflect the wishes of the party grassroots or help PKR move forward.

The Malaysian Insight offers an overview of the latest quarrel to break out in the Pakatan Harapan component party, who are the protagonists and what those watching from the sidelines think.

Why is Azmin objecting to the appointments?

Azmin says that some of the appointees were “directly involved in dubious practices in the just-concluded party polls that had resulted in divisions in the party.”“ 

Azmin, who successfully held on to the deputy presidency that he won in 2010 in the polls, singled out Saifuddin Nasution, whom Anwar has appointed party secretary-general. 

Azmin does not think Saifuddin is professional and capable.

Also, several of those appointed to the MPP are in Rafizi Ramli’s camp, which could be perceived by Azmin as a move to neutralise his influence over the leadership council.

What happened during the PKR polls?

Technical glitches in the e-voting system caused numerous re-polls to be called, including in Kedah, Malacca and Sabah, leading to allegations of sabotage. 

The elections were further marred by bitter infighting between rival factions over choice party positions in Penang, Sabah and Sarawak. It was “Azmin versus Rafizi” all the way as the two camps exchanged insults and accusations, including of treachery, money politics and cheating.

The Julau division in Sarawak saw an unlikely membership spike to the tune of 13,000 new admissions.  

What is the MPP?

The central leadership council is made up of three vice-presidents – one each to represent the peninsula, Sabah, and Sarawak, – the secretary-general, the treasurer, state chairmen and seven committee members.

PKR has four vice-presidents and 20 committee members elected in the party polls.

Who else has complained about the appointments?

Several state chapters have voiced their displeasure over some of Anwar’s picks.

Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah’s appointment to the Penang PKR chair was met with charges of nepotism.

A day after her appointment, Nurul Izzah quit all her party posts including the vice presidency, which she had won by a landslide.

How did Anwar react to Azmin’s protest?

Anwar says the selection is about inclusiveness, something he says the party sorely needs after its divisive elections.

He says the appointments have the collective approval of the leadership council, while Azmin’s views are personal.

“It’s his personal view, I wanted it to be inclusive, He wants some people out, I want everybody in,’ says Anwar.

Anwar has also refused to review the appointments as demanded by Azmin.

What do the other PKR leaders think about the row?

Former president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail says the selection of leaders is the prerogative of the  party president, who is her husband, and provided for in the party constitution.

“It is the prerogative of the president to choose who he wants, and Rafizi received many votes during the contest,” she says.

PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir, who is aligned to Rafizi, says Anwar’s picks should be accepted as they was made in consideration of the views of the MPP members, who represent the party grassroots.

PKR Perak chairman Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak also defends the president’s choices, saying they are all part of the struggle to move the party and country forward.

Wanita chief Haniza Talha backs Azmin in calling for a review of the appointments.

How will the row affect Anwar and Azmin’s relationship?

It’s clear the ties between both men are now strained.

Officially, Anwar has said that while criticism is welcome, his deputy is advised to set an example by channeling his complaints through the correct channels. 

On Twitter, however, Anwar has taken what appears to a dig at Azmin, although no names are mentioned.

“If only some people focused more on growing the economy, and less on politicking,” he tweets. – December 30, 2018.