Azmin Ali kicks himself out of Sabah

(Malaysian Mirror) – PKR vice-president Azmin Ali appears to have kicked himself out of Sabah.

He said he would be replaced as Sabah PKR chief on Sunday and that PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail is expected to make an announcement on the new leader when the supreme council meets that day.

Strangely, it was Azmin himself who announced that he would be replaced after meeting with all 25 Sabah division heads including vice-president Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

He however denied that the move had anything to do with demands by 18 of the 25 division leaders purportedly aligned with Dr Jeffrey for a Sabahan to take charge.

“There was no memorandum at all. There is no truth in the report. It is a non-issue,” he told reporters after the meeting.

Azmin explained that his appointment four months ago was temporary and aimed at strengthening the party, stressing that it was not meant to be permanent.

“Sabah PKR leaders have proven that they are energetic enough to lead the party here and the president will decide on the next state liaison chairman.

“Sabah leaders have given their views and will accept the decision of our president,” he said, adding that changes were not restricted to only Sabah but also other state liaison committees in the peninsula.

Barred from making statements

Azmin said Sabah PKR leaders have also been barred from making media statements and are advised to air their views within the party.

Dr Jeffrey said it would be the prerogative of the party president to appoint any Sabah PKR leader as the new state party chief.

Over in Sarawak, popular NCR land lawyer Baru Bian will take over the Sarawak PKR chair on Sunday when an official announcement will be made.

The appointment of PKR leaders from West Malaysia has not gone down well with party leaders and members in Sabah and Sarawak.

It has turned into a thorny issue as they felt that locals and not outsiders should helm the party in the respective states.