COMMENT | Upon the announcement of the new PKR central leadership council (MPP) lineup, deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali voiced out that the appointments were not made in the party’s best interests, as it would hinder it from moving forward.

Earlier in November, during the party’s national congress, president Anwar Ibrahim stated that he would incorporate the best talents from across the spectrum of the party, including Rafizi Ramli, who lost narrowly to Azmin in the race for the deputy presidency.

At that time, Azmin affirmed that he was willing to give his full support to Anwar as well as Rafizi to strengthen the party. 

Azmin further added that he believed that Rafizi had a substantial role to play in order to ensure the party’s leadership was inclusive.

The appointments made by Anwar were made in the presence of the MPP and it took into account all views of the council. Undeniably, Azmin and many from his camp had won positions in the recent elections.

However, although Rafizi lost by a narrow margin, he won in many divisions. A good leader would make sure these forces join together.

Among those that were newly-appointed, some were openly with Azmin, some with Rafizi, and some were not part of either camp.

From Azmin’s camp, this includes newly-appointed vice-president and Saratok MP, Ali Biju, as well as strategic director Mansor Othman.

Edmund Santhara Kumar, who won as an MPP member under Azmin’s camp, was appointed as deputy secretary-general.

Capable leadership

Two other personalities from Azmin’s camp, Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, the losing vice-president candidate with the highest votes, was appointed as information chief, while Lee Khai Loon, the losing MPP candidate with the highest votes, was appointed to the MPP.

To represent the Kadazandusun Murut community, Raymond Ahuar was given a position, while the Muslim bumiputera community is represented in the MPP with Rahimah Majid. There is also Christina Liew who is the chairperson for Sabah PKR.

At the same time, Faizal Sanusi, formerly leader of Parti Rakyat Malaysia Youth prior to the merger with PKR, who subsequently became PKR Youth deputy chief, was also appointed. He is not associated with any camp.

The party’s political bureau had also cautioned Wanita PKR for announcing the appointment of state wing chiefs prior to the appointment of state chairpersons.

The standing order clearly states that the appointment can only be done by the leader of the women's wing after consultation with the state chairperson and women's wing division chiefs.

Reform agenda

Ultimately, the rakyat wants PKR and Pakatan Harapan to focus on pursuing reforms and implementing the manifesto now. 

The time has certainly come for us to make that agenda – particularly on propelling economic growth and creating a more equal economy – our utmost priority.

PKR should certainly be proud of its diverse and capable leadership from all over the nation, both men and women, old and young as reflected by the appointments.

The party is open to diverse views within the party as part and parcel of democracy but we believe in harnessing that diversity for the good of the country.

Let’s all focus on rallying behind the new leadership lineup and serving the rakyat.

NIK NAZMI NIK AHMAD is the PKR organising secretary. 

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.