In a further indication of strife within party ranks, PKR’s Zaid Ibrahim announced today he was taking a six-month sabbatical to meet up with various leaders and the rakyat to gain sharper insight into how best to bring about political reform in the country.

In remarks made to Malaysiakini after notifying PKR headquarters of his decision to go on six months’ leave, Zaid said the furthest thing on his mind when he joined PKR four months ago was to be get involved in factional strife in the party.