SABAH Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has dismissed claims that it was in crisis despite a demand for the resignation of its chairman, Datuk Sangkar Rasam, by 15 of the state divisional leaders.
State party secretary Samsudin Sidek today said Rasam maintains his position as the legitimate state chairman, which was reaffirmed again during the leadership restructuring of the party on Feb 22.
“The appointment of the state chairman followed the correct channels according to the party constitution and endorsement by the party president (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim).
“On February 22, the state leadership had undergone restructuring in all states and Rasam was retained as chairman,” he said in Kota Kinabalu, today.
Yesterday the demand for Rasam’s resignation was made by 15 out of 26 divisional chiefs of Sabah PKR and Labuan, citing his alleged failure to effectively lead the Sabah chapter since becoming chairman two years ago.
The demand signals another crisis brewing for the state chapter which has grappled with internal conflict since the tenure of the previous chair, Datuk Christina Liew.
They claim their discontent has been brewing since July 2023.
Samsuddin has urged all the defiant divisional chiefs to respect the party and president’s decision, noting that one of the 15 divisional chiefs, Semporna’s Mohd Amin Abdul Mem, has denied involvement in the movement.
Samsuddin also dismissed allegations that the party was weak under Rasam’s leadership, asserting that various programmes had been conducted previously.
He stressed division within the chapter is untimely, especially when the focus of its leaders should be on gearing PKR to face the upcoming 17th Sabah election. – The Vibes, March 19, 2024
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