The Malaysian Insight

WHILE the task of ensuring harmony in PKR is in the hands of its president, other leaders, too, should be aware of their roles and not cause any disruptions, said PKR vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin.

She said elected PKR deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali and appointed vice-president Rafizi Ramli should also play their part in maintaining harmony in the party.

The local government and housing minister said this when asked to comment on a call for either Azmin or Rafizi to step down to ensure harmony in the party.

Both leaders had put up a fierce fight for the party No. 2 post in the party polls last year, which saw Azmin defending his position.

Despite his loss, Rafizi, who had centred his campaign around ensuring Anwar becomes the next prime minister, was recently appointed vice-president by the latter.

“The party’s harmony is in the hands of the president,” Zuraida said in Penang today.

“They have to understand their positions in carrying out their party duties. This refers to both men – the person who lost and the one who won.”

Zuraida was in Permatang Pauh this morning to launch the Fire and Rescue Department’s new Permatang Nibong, Penanti, station. 

Last week, Universiti Malaya political analyst Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub was quoted by Astro Awani as saying either Azmin or Rafizi should let go of their position to maintain harmony in the party.

He questioned how Azmin and Rafizi could work together after their fierce competition, and whether Anwar would be able to rein in both leaders.

Tawfik had suggested that Rafizi take a step back, as he could still be of help to PKR without being vice-president.

Tension has been brewing in PKR – the most represented party in the Dewan Rakyat – in recent months over the contest between rival factions.

Last week, Azmin had questioned Anwar over the appointment of several leaders into party posts, including that of Rafizi as vice-president and Saifudin Nasution Ismail as secretary-general, urging him to review them.

The economic affairs minister said the appointments did not reflect the principles of fair and just representation, citing Rafizi and Saifuddin’s losses during the party polls. – January 4, 2019.