[UPDATED] Negri Sembilan PKR squabbling all sorted: Anwar

SEREMBAN – Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim believes the internal fighting within Negri Sembilan PKR’s ranks has been resolved following a meeting today, with state party chief Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun to continue leading the chapter.

Anwar, who is PKR president, said a consensus has been reached on the squabbling, having heard the grouses of other state leaders who found issue with Aminuddin, who is also the menteri besar.

However, Anwar indicated there could be some “adjustments” to the state leadership, including to the membership of its political bureau, having taken into consideration the disgruntlement of  all quarters.

Speaking at a press conference today, the Port Dickson MP also clarified that the issue of the position of the menteri besar does not arise, and that concerns were primarily focused on the party’s internal affairs.

“What was raised were demands that the menteri besar pay a little more attention to the needs of the party’s branches, to strengthen their machinery ahead of the general election.

“We have given space to all parties to explain their positions. We will continue moving forward together, to facilitate Aminuddin’s duties as menteri besar and head of Negri Sembilan PKR.

“We have also considered several views, and I have asked that Aminuddin continue as state party chairman.”

On Sunday, several members of the Negri Sembilan PKR leadership alleged they no longer trust Aminuddin to lead the state chapter over his failure to strengthen it ahead of the general election and for not showing effort to turn PKR into a dominant unit.

The statement was signed by, among others, Labu assemblyman Datuk Ismail Ahmad, Sri Tanjung assemblyman Datuk M. Ravi, Ampangan assemblyman Datuk Mohamad Rafie Ab Malik, Chuah assemblyman Datuk Yek Diew Ching, Negri Sembilan PKR Wanita head Amni Idris, and state information chief Yusuf Tapar. 

They warned that if the situation is not resolved, Negri Sembilan PKR risks losing the election. The four assemblymen later issued a separate statement clarifying that the issue is an internal party one, and does not concern the state administration. 

On Monday, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil had told The Vibes that Aminuddin has been summoned by the party leadership to its meeting this week to explain his position after losing the support of state members.

Meanwhile, Anwar said he is aware of the existence of political undercurrent to undermine Aminuddin since the 2018 general election, but does not see this as an issue anymore. 

“The menteri besar has got to take care of the state and make sure the issue of governance is observed. Their (other party leaders) point is that the focus on the party machinery is also important, and that needs to be addressed.” 

On the existence of statutory declarations to remove Aminuddin as the party’s state chief, Anwar said some have been withdrawn, but the matter was not discussed today.

The opposition leader added that the bloc supports the government’s efforts and commitment to implement Undi18 by year-end.

Bernama reported him as saying technical questions and matters relating to certain laws should not be an excuse to delay the implementation of the lowered voting age.

“Our stand is that it (Undi18) must be carried out… when I met the prime minister, I also stressed that the matter should be carried out. This is to ensure Undi18 is approved before the end of the year, meaning before the 15th general election.”

He said the matter was discussed during a meeting between opposition party leaders and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob as well.

Two days ago, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar was reported as saying the Election Commission has been ordered to implement Undi18 before December 31, to comply with a court decision. – The Vibes, September 9, 2021