Brawl has driven factions further apart, says Anwar

MELAKA: Factionalism within PKR has worsened following the brawl which took place on Friday (Dec 6), says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

"This affected the growing factionalism and hatred. I should have said that enough is enough," he said.

The PKR president said that the brawl which happened outside the building where the congress for PKR Youth and Wanita wings were taking place would not have happened if he had used a firmer hand.

"I've been very conciliatory and forgiving, just like yesterday (Dec 6). So, people think it's okay, they just attach themselves to their tai kor (leaders).

"If I had been tougher, I think I should have sacked most of them," he told reporters during a press conference after making his first policy speech at the PKR National Congress as party president at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here on Saturday (Dec 7).

Earlier during his policy speech, Anwar said that the party's unofficial slogan "Lawan tetap lawan (keep on fighting)" does not mean that party members should fight amongst themselves.

"We are a team. When I say lawan tetap lawan, it does not mean fighting with your friends," he said.

A commotion took place during the PKR Youth and Women's wing congress on Friday, which later escalated into a brawl involving about 50 individuals. Two suspects were later arrested by police over the incident.