The party’s congress has shown an indication that PKR members want a stricter leadership with more disciplined members

by NUR HAZIQAH A MALEK/ pic by BERNAMA

THE president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (picture) is confident that the party members will remain loyal to him and that there will be a positive outlook for PKR next year.

“Similarly, I am an optimist, and from what I can see, the party’s environment is good and chances are, everything will move positively,” he said.

During the winding-up speech yesterday, Anwar said the party’s congress has shown an indication that PKR members want a stricter leadership with more disciplined members.

“This is the clear message that we get, and that is why I try to use a gentler approach when it comes to reprimanding our members who are involved in any wrongdoing,” he said, adding that some party members found it hard to accept their punishments.

Anwar also clarified that his speech, in which he mentioned about the tale of “Si Kitol and Raja Mendeliar” was not directed to anyone, especially to his deputy Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.

Azmin was noticeably absent at the congress yesterday, together with VP Zuraida Kamaruddin, Wanita chief Haniza Mohamed Talha, deputy Youth chief Muhammad Hilman Idham and Central Leadership Council members Amirudin Shaari, Mohd Rashid Hasnon, R Sivarasa, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Datuk Kamarudin Jaffar.

It was reported that Azmin had left the debate session as soon as the stage turned into a bashing period against him.

Azmin said an agreement was made so that neither faction were to attack each other during the congress, claiming that Anwar did not honour this, stating they were veiled remarks in the speech.

Meanwhile, PKR information chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin questioned as to why there were members in the party that were not supportive of the party president as the eighth prime minister (PM).

He said the president has a way of thinking and experience which qualifies him as the next PM, and all three parties under the coalition have agreed to it.

He was also reported to have acknowledged the differences and discontent among members, but said dissatisfied members must take the high road to ensure the position of the next PM is secured for Anwar.

“Action must be taken against those who have abused democracy so that PKR will remain as a party for those who uphold and respect the democratic principles,” Shamsul Iskandar was quoted as saying.

During his speech last Saturday, Anwar delved into the Malay history, focusing on the historical city of Melaka, and how it was turned into a hub for knowledge.

“I intentionally reviewed details of the nation’s history in order to debate against the mindset of racial slums and nationalism that some current leaders still crave,” he said.

He added that the party with 50 MPs has faced many obstacles in order to become the leading coalition.

“That experience should teach us so that we need to maintain a solid structure that is intact in idealism and take prudent and wise steps moving forward,” the Port Dickson MP added.

“The whole nation’s attention is back to the party, and the challenge now is how we handle the congress with renewed spirit to strengthen the party and continue the reformation agenda,” he said.

He added that with the party’s spirit of togetherness strengthened, the party would be seen as a respected one.

“My special appreciation goes to secretary general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution and the control team party over the past year and made it a success congress,” he said.