[UPDATED] Infighting? No forgiveness or GE15 appointment for you: Anwar

SHAH ALAM – Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has put his foot down on the apparent internal friction within PKR. He has warned those who continue to be embroiled in infighting will not be picked as candidates for the general election.

This comes amid brewing tension in the party among different camps throughout its internal polls.

In a stern message to delegates at the PKR national congress today, Anwar called on all members to close ranks and said as party president, he will ensure that the leadership is united and inclusive.

“Appreciating the idealism of our struggle is harder than simply expressing it. But this call (for unity) applies to all leaders.

“As the president, I will never forgive those at the branch, division, youth or women’s wings who choose to continue their rivalry from before the party election.

“If this persists, I guarantee that there won’t be a watikah (appointment letter for the general election) for you,” he said in his policy speech today at the Ideal Convention Centre here.

While not divulging any names, Anwar’s statement comes amid a heated PKR election that saw results for several positions overturned following an audit, with the polls seeing the multiple camps pitting against each other for various positions. 

Earlier in his speech, the PKR president said the betrayals in the party that took place prior to the Sheraton Move in February 2020 should serve as a lesson to all members not to forsake their struggles and idealism. 

“Don’t be swayed by the glitters of power and wealth. There were those who were previously reformists with us, but when they are tested with a little bit of power, the glitters blinded them. 

“Moving forward, we must remain strong and be patient. Our party is not built on hatred and animosity. There must be patience, compassion and love.”

‘We won’t close our doors to alliances’

Addressing questions on Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) direction moving forward, Anwar doubled down on his previous statement that the coalition should be open to considering cooperation with other parties in facing the general election. 

He said as PH chairman and opposition leader, it is incumbent for the coalition to maintain a close relationship with all opposition outfits. 

“I will not be drawn to statements issued by certain quarters. We will face them calmly. 

“There is wisdom in saying that PH should remain the main core (of any alliances). But we will not close our doors to building relationships with others who share the same policies as us.”

His remark is in stark contrast to the stand taken by his newly-elected deputy president Rafizi Ramli who is determined to go into the coming general election without the support of non-PH parties. 

Many observers also attributed Rafizi’s victory for the number two post to his vision of strengthening PH internally, rather than forming partnerships with other political entities.

Meanwhile, Anwar also appears to put to bed any notion of infighting among the PH parties, saying that tensions are normal in any coalition. 

In the same regard, he urged PKR members to remain steadfast in supporting PH moving forward and not constantly pushing for political expediency. 

“Sometimes we do question the statements issued by Amanah or DAP, but that’s normal in any movement. I admit, sometimes discussions can be tense. But I call on all in PKR to understand that this is not a matter of expediency. 

“I give my commitment that we (PKR) will continue to be with DAP, Amanah and Upko. We will strengthen PKR and move together with PH.” – The Vibes, July 16, 2022