A divided house will only work for the benefit of Pakatan Harapan’s enemies, says PKR vice-president Tian Chua.
In a statement issued on Saturday (July 27), Chua said no one has a right to question the loyalty of PKR leaders to the party and Anwar, especially when these leaders have been loyal all along to the party’s struggle when the latter was in jail.
“Those who try to harm the relationship of the president with the deputy president and various vice-presidents are advancing the agenda of Pakatan’s enemies.
“Lately, it seems that there is a vicious agenda with the hideous objective of causing public confusion on PKR. Certain quarters of the mass media are also intentionally creating a perception that PKR is divided or even at the verge of collapse,” Chua said.
He said regardless of their motives, their actions are sowing seeds of suspicion and conflict between different leaders.
“I would like to remind all PKR members that the enemies of PKR, Pakatan and our reform agenda are waiting to exploit the situation.
“A divided house will invite external intervention and could lead to self-destruction,” said Chua, who added that PKR, as the biggest party in Pakatan, needs to stay strong as a pillar.
“Sensibility, rationality and mutual respect must prevail against emotional sectarian mobilisation.
“Return to the basics and understand the tenets of the party’s principles. One should not forget PKR emerged from a movement (Reformasi) that rejected gutter politics and oppression,” said Chua
“Parti Keadilan later merged with Parti Rakyat as a milestone to reiterate our commitment toward the people’s welfare and a just society. No matter in what circumstances, PKR should not deviate from its original track,” he added.
(Parti Keadilan was formed in 1999 before it merged with Parti Rakyat Malaysia and was renamed Parti Keadilan Rakyat in 2003.)
“Anwar and his suffering (during his incarceration in jail) inspired thousands of Malaysians like me to join the movement for change. I have dedicated 20 years of my life to this struggle.
“I will take it as a serious insult if anyone, especially newcomers to the party, who question my loyalty, either to Anwar or the party.
“Our loyalty towards Anwar was not just scribbles on a piece of paper but was proven by long years of commitment and determination.
“I reiterate my stand that as a member of PKR, I give full support to Anwar to exercise his mandate as party president and eventually assume the premiership according to Pakatan consensus. I would not allow anybody with ulterior motives to destroy this unity.
“Party elections are long over, let us put aside factional rivalry and stop all sectarian manoeuvres. Now it is the time for healing and rebuilding trust among leaders.
“We should close ranks. Everyone agreed during the last election and the recent retreat that Anwar is the president,” said Chua.
“The rakyat expect us to perform our duty and deliver economic progress, social welfare and good governance as the government of the day.
“PKR is the largest component party in Harapan and has a heavy burden on our shoulders. We should not let our internal contradictions continue to deteriorate.
“We need a lot of concerted and level-headed efforts to resolve issues in order to be back on track in serving the people.
“Now it is the time for healing and rebuild trust among leaders. We have to race against time and refocus our work to the reforms and governance.
“This is the only way to retain people’s confidence in Harapan and PKR,” he added.
Chua also ticked off party members for what he described as an overzealous display of support for certain leaders amid disagreements between those leaders.
“There are some elements within the party have overzealously displayed support for this leader and that leader.
“Consciously or unconsciously, some supporters strive to outdo one another and intensified tension within the party,” he said.
Chua said those who seek to destabilise the cooperation and harmony of the party leadership will be detected and exposed by party members at the grassroots and public at large.
In recent days, there had been attempts by some PKR leaders to drum up support for either Anwar or Azmin.
Party leaders were seen to be split between the two as they bickered openly during the height of the recent sex video scandal, which implicated Azmin.
Pahang PKR, led by its chief Fuziah Salleh, said 10 out of 14 division chiefs had pledged their allegiance to Anwar.
Zuraida Kamaruddin questioned the movement to get signatures of grassroots leaders to support Anwar.
“He won uncontested in the last party elections.
“What is the justification to collect the signatures now?” she asked.
Chua and Zuraida said the signature collection drive should be stopped and the political drama ended.
“This gives rise to instability within the party.
“I believe everyone is tired of this political drama,” said Zuraida.
She also said that questioning Azmin’s loyalty to PKR was uncalled for as he had sacrificed much to build the party when Anwar was still behind bars.
“It is impossible for Azmin to abandon the ship when the party is at its height of success,” Zuraida added.
PKR women wing chief Haniza Talha said those who collected signatures to support Anwar only served to split the party.
“There is no need for such a move as he won uncontested. All of us have agreed that he should lead the party.
“This also goes against the call by the president himself to unite,” said Haniza.