‘PKR in dire need of strong No 2’
Noting that the current crisis does not bode well for PKR and Pakatan because “people don’t like internal feuds”, Chin cited Gerakan as an example, saying that the party was riddled with infighting and this led to a dismal showing in the last elections.
By Stephanie Sta Maria, Free Malaysia Today
The situation in the problem-plagued PKR would be diffirent if Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had selected a deputy with a strong personality, said an academic today.
According to Monash University Malaysia’s political scientist Prof James Chin, a formidable deputy would be able to impose discipline in the party and keep the people clear on the issue of succession.
“He appointed a very weak second leader in Syed Husin Ali. Right now all the discipline (issues) have to go through Anwar’s hand and right now he can’t decide. He’s too focused on the (sodomy) trial to think of anything else. Husin wants to do a lot of things but he’s weak,” he told FMT.
In a similar vein, Univeristi Sains Malaysia’s Sivamurugan Pandian suggested that Anwar should step aside for the time being and hand over the reins to a strong leader to set the house in order.
“Perhaps Anwar should make way for another equally strong political leader like (Pakatan Rakyat troubleshooter) Zaid Ibrahim to reorganise, restructure, rebuild and rejuvenate PKR,” he said, underscoring the importance for the top leadership of PKR and Pakatan Rakyat to be decisive in adressing and arresting the rot immediately.
Just like Chin, Sivamurugan believes that the ongoing sodomy trial could have distracted the opposition leader, therefore diverting his focus from party matters.
“Many Malaysians, especially party-less voters, think that the multiracial PKR set-up is the vital link within Pakatan. But the recent resignations could affect their confidence on PKR to lead Pakatan to a federal victory in the next general election. Those who quit are frustrated politicians who appear to be victims of internal bickering,” he said.
