SABAH PKR's Datuk Sangkar Rasam today maintained that he will not step down as the state chairman despite losing more than half the support of divisional leaders.
He said he had been given the position by the PKR president himself and will continue to hold the post.
“I want to emphasise that I will continue to fulfil the trust given to me by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, with full responsibility and integrity.
“Therefore, I will continue with my duties to ensure that PKR works for the progress and prosperity of Sabah,” he said in a statement here today.
Sangkar said this was not the first time PKR experienced an internal leadership crisis but accusing him of failing to lead the party effectively were baseless accusations aimed at shaming the party itself.
“They have made malicious accusations that I have never organised leadership programmes since being appointed as state chairman in 2022.
“The accusations they have made not only embarrass the PKR but also hinder the party's work in preparing for the upcoming Sabah elections,” he said.
According to him, the PKR machinery was already ready to face the upcoming Sabah elections and vowed that he would secure additional victories in the polls and be a key partner with other friendly parties.
Earlier today, Sabah PKR secretary Samsuddin Sidek dismissed claims that the party was in crisis following the call from 15 divisional leaders for Rasam to resign.
He also maintained that Rasam remained the legitimate Sabah PKR chairman which was reconfirmed during a state leadership restructuring in all states on February 22.
Yesterday 15 out of 26 PKR division chiefs from Sabah and Labuan demanded Rasam's resignation, citing his alleged failure to effectively lead the party since becoming chairman two years ago.
The demand signals another crisis in the state PKR which has grappled with internal conflict since the tenure of the previous chairman, Datuk Christina Liew.
They claim their discontent has been brewing since July 2023.
Sangkar was named as the Sabah PKR chairman following the party election in 2022.
PKR is expected to hold its elections in 2025. – The Vibes, March 19, 2024
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