The Malaysian Insight

 CHOOSE leaders who are committed to the party struggle and who are in touch with the grassroots, Wanita PKR chief Zuraida Kamaruddin told members today.

She said members should pick “mature” leaders instead of those who only appeared around election time to make promises, in what appeared to be a dig at PKR deputy president-hopeful Rafizi Ramli,.

“Choose people who are consistent, not those who only campaign during party elections, who come and promise things during the campaign. They do not resolve the members’ problems at other times,” Zuraida said, at the opening of the of Perak PKR general assembly in Ipoh.

The housing and local government minister is aligned to incumbent deputy president Azmin Ali, who has come under attack by Rafizi supporters alleging he has betrayed the Reformasi cause and is attempting to replace PKR president elect Anwar Ibrahim as the next prime minister.

Team Rafizi, which goes by the label “20 Years of Reformasi” has held roadshows across the states where it vows to  restore the spirit of Reformasi and ensure Anwar is installed in the prime minister’s office.

Zuraida, who is running for party vice-president, urged PKR members to choose leaders who worked to unite the party instead of tearing it apart.
 
“The leaders we choose are supposed to unite the party, not divide it. We need to speak in one voice.”
 
Members also needed to consider the candidate’s track record, she said.

“The leaders need to be liked by (PKR’s partners). They need to be liked by Amanah, DAP, and Bersatu.

“The leader we choose also need to be feared by Barisan Nasional.”
 
Zuraida’s challenger in the vice-presidential race, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said the elected leadersip  must have the strength to support future president Anwar.

“We need a strong team to stand by Anwar. This is why (the members’ choice in) the party elections are important,” he said.

Azmin, who is the Economsi Affairs Minister, opened the Perak PKR assembly today. Foreign Affairs Minister Saifuddin Abdullah, Deputy Health Minister Lee Boon Chye, deputy Dewan Rakyat Speaker Rashid Hasnun and Selangor exco Daoryah Alwi were present. – August 26, 2018.