PARTI Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) must reunite swiftly following its closely watched internal election, warned Secretary-General Dr Fuziah Salleh, as the party braces for looming state and national polls.
Speaking after the joint opening ceremony of PKR’s Youth and Women’s wings at the Berjaya Waterfront Hotel on Thursday evening, Fuziah said efforts to reconcile must not be delayed.
“We cannot take too long to come together again. We must regroup quickly as we are heading into state elections and the 16th general election,” she said.
Fuziah, who has been on a nationwide tour promoting unity within the party, emphasised the need for grassroots members to play an active role in preserving party cohesion. She also cautioned against internal sabotage.
“This party is like a ship. If someone drills a hole in it, it will sink. Therefore, it is the responsibility of every member to protect and uphold this organisation,” she said.
The PKR polls have taken centre stage, with the deputy presidency being hotly contested between Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The race has raised concerns of factional infighting and the potential for post-election rifts.
While Fuziah did not name either candidate directly, she warned against actions that could weaken PKR from within, urging members to support Anwar’s leadership as he steers the nation through his second term.
“This is not aimed at any one side. It is a general reminder to the entire PKR family,” she added.
The internal polls are being closely monitored amid speculation that Rafizi may resign from the Cabinet if defeated. Nurul Izzah, meanwhile, has pledged not to seek a Cabinet position if elected, in an attempt to ward off accusations of nepotism.
Political analysts have warned that Anwar could face significant challenges if party divisions deepen. Any fallout may mirror the 2020 split that saw senior leaders, including Azmin Ali, leave PKR and trigger the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government.
The results of the deputy president race are expected to be announced on Saturday. - May 23, 2025
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