Not our formal stand, PKR Youth chief says after deputy declares Pakatan alive

(Malay Mail Online) – PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad disagreed today with a statement by his deputy claiming that Pakatan Rakyat (PR) still exists, saying it does not represent the formal stand of the party wing.

“The statement titled ‘PKR Youth’s stance on Pakatan Rakyat’ dated June 20, 2015, is not the formal position of the wing.

“PKR Youth as a wing of the party supports the formal statement by the party president and that was discussed by the central leadership’s political bureau that the wing is a part of,” Nik Nazmi said in a brief statement here.

Yesterday, PKR Youth deputy chief Dr Afif Bahardin claimed that PR still exists as DAP’s Lim Guan Eng could not unilaterally declare the pact dead.

“It is not up to DAP or any single party in PR to declare it is dead. PR was born as a result of the 12th general election, and in the 13th general election we offered ourselves as PR and won 52 per cent of the votes.

“So only the public can declare PR is dead, and they can do this by not voting for us in the next general election,” Dr Afif was quoted in The Malaysian Insider as saying at a press conference.

Dr Afif’s statement echoed that of PKR deputy president Azmin Ali who denied earlier this week that PR no longer exists.

He said that every relationship has its share of problems, which is where PR’s top echelon need to provide leadership to see things through.

“Who said it (PR) is no more? Please refer to the statement made by Datuk Seri president yesterday,” he said.

On Wednesday, Dr Wan Azizah said the opposition pact will no longer function formally as a coalition, following “hasty” decisions by partners DAP and PAS.

She, however, said she hoped the spirit of cooperation between the three parties in Selangor and Penang would continue – despite the recent developments.

“And in the same spirit, and based on the Pakatan Rakyat Common Policy Framework, KEADILAN will continue to give support to the Dato’ Menteri Besar of Kelantan, Datuk Ahmad Yaakob,” Dr Wan Azizah said.

“KEADILAN will continue to pioneer efforts to build a coalition among political parties, non-governmental organisations, groups and influential individuals to defeat Barisan Nasional,” she added.

PAS on June 6 confirmed its decision to sever ties with DAP while still remaining in PR with PKR, after its motion to do so was approved without debate.