PKR leaders slam Latheefa Koya's accusations of bias in state appointments

PETALING JAYA: Five PKR branch leaders want action taken against human rights activist and lawyer Latheefa Koya for claiming that there was cronyism and nepotism involved in the appointment of party state chiefs by its president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Its representative from the Klang branch, Mohd Farazi Mohd Shah, said the party leadership should take appropriate action against those who openly criticise the president.

"Her accusation describing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as practising cronyism and nepotism, but in fact the president has fulfilled all the criteria within the party constitution that requires the state leadership to discuss the matter with the president and division chiefs.

"We feel that the accusation reeks of slander, an attempt to damage the image of the party, and breaching party discipline," he told a press conference at the party headquarters here on Thursday (Dec 20).

This follows reports lodged by Klang and Indera Mahkota branches, while Paya Besar, Kelana Jaya and Kuala Langat branch leaders have supported the call.

On Monday (Dec 17), Latheefa issued a statement that the announcement of its state chiefs was "disturbing and a cause for grave concern".

Latheefa said that whilst the president is given the power to choose state chiefs, which is in line with the party constitution, it was highly unusual and contrary to the party spirit for the party president to ignore the majority's preference.

Hours after Latheefa's statement on Monday (Dec 17), Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah, announced her resignation as PKR vice-president and the party's Penang chief.

Mohd Farazi said although the party practices free speech, such criticism against the top party leadership must be done in a proper manner.

"It should be channelled through proper mechanisms, so it will not be manipulated by the media.

"It might show the weakness of the party, especially when the people are tired of issues involving top leadership.

"We must always respect the president's appointment," he said.

He also urged Nurul Izzah to reconsider her decision to step down from her party posts.

"She is not someone new in politics and she has been fighting for the people for more than 20 years.

"She was chosen by party members and not by her father," he said.

Kamarul Hatta Mohamed Ali, from the Indera Mahkota branch, concurred, saying that appropriate action should be taken against those who attack the party leadership.

"We have no intention to suppress freedom of speech, but it must be done accordingly," he said.