Wan Azizah in damage-control mode over PKR storm

Written by Chua Sue-Ann, The Edge 

Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) President Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail today went into damage-control mode and acknowledged recent dissatisfaction towards the party leadership’s decisions while appealing for faith.

Wan Azizah said she admitted the internal dissatisfaction was prompted by changes in the party’s leadership and that frustrations expressed by some party members and supporters were “valid”.
 
However, she added that not everyone would appreciate the difficulty faced in trying to accommodate all viewpoints.
 
“As our party grows in number and transforms into a national organisation we have struggled at times to identify right strategy and mix of leadership that will carry us to the next level.
 
“Our task remains a work in progress and the announcements made this week are based on consensus and consultation within the party to work towards a better future,” Wan Azizah said in a statement.
 
While not explicitly stated, Wan Azizah was likely referring to the party’s troubles in Sabah where local leaders reportedly opposed the leadership of PKR Vice-President Azmin Ali.
 
Azmin was appointed Sabah PKR chief in May this year, taking over from PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
 
Last Sunday, Wan Azizah announced a reorganisation of several state leadership positions, which saw Azmin replaced by Sabah PKR secretary and Libaran PKR division head Thamrin Zaini.
 
The heat on PKR in Sabah rose over the last few days, with two state leaders — PKR Vice-President Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Kota Kinabalu division chief Christina Liew — announcing their resignation from party posts.
 
Both said they would remain as party members, though Jeffrey has left the door open for his return to Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS).
 
In her candid statement, Wan Azizah also acknowledged “setbacks” faced by PKR and the opposition since the general elections last March.
 
“Political parties are complex organisms and political coalitions are neither crystallised overnight nor even in a fortnight,” she said.
 
Pakatan Rakyat’s component parties, particularly PAS and PKR, have seen recurring internal problems and leadership differences.
 
DAP and PAS figures have also locked horns, mainly in Selangor over Selangor PAS commissioner Datuk Dr Hasan Mohamad Ali’s efforts to control the sale of alcohol in the state.
 
Offering an olive branch, Wan Azizah also said she remained open to engagement with all parties based on the principles of mutual respect, understanding and commitment to justice.
 
“The future of the nation does not lie in the hands of any one individual nor does our party nor does this coalition. I continue to ask for the ongoing faith and patience of the people in supporting the mission of [PKR] and of Pakatan Rakyat,” she said.