SUNGAI PETANI: Datuk Zaid Ibrahim may form a new political party if he is sacked from PKR following his outburst over irregularities in the party election.
“Perhaps I may do it if I am sacked from PKR. I may form a new Keadilan.
“I think PKR members now are yearning for a democratic and transparent political party.
“The members could be like-minded fellows who show principles in their leadership,” Zaid said at a ceramah attended by about 100 PKR members from the central region of Kedah on Wednesday night.
He was on a tour to several states to explain his decision to withdraw from the race for the deputy presidency and to quit all party posts.
Zaid said he joined politics to make long-term changes to the political culture and not just to win positions or enjoy short-term successes.
He said he was prepared for the long haul to institute the changes, even if it had to be done through a new party.
However, he said for now he remained committed to PKR despite his misgivings over irregularities in the electoral process.
In another development, PKR vice-presidential aspirant Yusmadi Yusoff said it was time all PKR leaders came together to put the people’s interests ahead of their own political agenda.
“It is not too late to close ranks and mend fences, including for Zaid. He has said enough. He should put the people’s interest first now. Please say something which contributes to reforms and not indulge in any form of agitation which can be used by enemies,” Yusmadi said in an interview.
He said despite the messy electoral process, he believed that PKR was getting stronger.
In Johor Baru, PKR’s Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin told Zaid off for washing the party’s dirty linen in public.
He said he was willing to debate any issue with Zaid including his threat to set up a new party. PKR adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s comment on the issue was more tame.
“I just hope he will not do that,” he said after addressing 23 division leaders and other PKR state leaders here yesterday.
Anwar also played down the problems faced by Johor PKR chief Datuk Chua Jui Meng, following a protest held by a group of party supporters asking for his removal.
He said Chua has the support of 23 out of 24 divisions in the state.
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