Selection of Dr M threatens to split Selangor PKR

(The Star) – The selection of Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) and Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as prime minister and deputy prime minister designates by the Pakatan Harapan leadership is threatening to split the Opposition front in Selangor.

Not only is Selangor PKR in disagreement with its state DAP, Parti Amanah Negara (Amanah) and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Pribumi) counterparts, differences are also brewing within the party.

Some veteran leaders are unhappy with the Selangor PKR members who are openly disputing the top leadership’s decision.

Apparently, many Selangor PKR members were expecting their deputy president Datuk Seri Azmin Ali and Pribumi deputy president Datuk Seri Mukhriz Mahathir to be the prime minister and deputy prime minister designates.

Even though several portals have quoted Azmin as saying that Dr Mahathir is the best prime ministerial candidate the Opposition can offer for now, many PKR members are still unhappy.

“Those protesting against the decision cannot be faulted because they were not informed about the selection before the convention,’’ added a PKR division leader who declined to be named.

He said Dr Mahathir and Dr Wan Azizah were only selected on Friday evening by the presidential council and the announcement was made at the convention on Sunday.

But as a veteran party member, the division leader said, he understood the wisdom behind the decision.

“Everyone has forgotten about Pribumi president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

“If Azmin and Mukhriz were to be named as top leadership designates, it would appear that Muhyiddin, who is more senior, has been sidelined,’’ he added.

Selangor PKR information chief Mat Shuhaimi Shafiei said the protests were expected.

“They are voicing their opinion perhaps because they were not told earlier,” said Mat Shuhaimi.

He added that PKR had a clear-cut process whereby all matters were first discussed at the division and state levels before going up to the national leadership.

This, he added, was not followed.

Mat Shuhaimi said every party had the right to voice its support or dissent.

Meanwhile, PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said disagreements reflected the fact democracy was alive and well within the Pakatan parties.

“With any democracy there can always be room for discussion, debate and disagreements,’’ he said.