GEORGE TOWN: PKR has downplayed perceptions of a leadership dispute in the party, saying that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains firmly its “captain” as president.
Party strategy director Sim Tze Tzin denied claims of leadership conflicts within PKR after deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar cautioned the party to avoid internal disputes to remain strong.
“Our captain is the Prime Minister and the party president.
"I think that is clear within PKR, we have only one captain, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim,” he said during the announcement of a new facility by a manufacturing company in Penang, at Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow's office in Komtar, on Friday (Aug 15).
Sim, who is also the Deputy Investment, Trade and Industry Minister, responded to Nurul Izzah’s remarks, saying that PKR’s core leaders remain steadfastly in support of Anwar.
He added that the recent departures of PKR leaders, such as former Subang MP Wong Chen and former deputy president Rafizi Ramli, were expected.
“The party has moved forward and the core team remains intact and continues to work well in the party leadership," he said.
He said the ongoing PKR National Congress is also providing a platform for party leaders to listen to the views and concerns of delegates.
"Various issues are expected to be raised by delegates following the outcome of the Johor and Negri Sembilan state elections.
Sim said the party’s focus now is to address the weaknesses identified and strengthen its preparations for the coming general election.
It was reported that Nurul Izzah cautioned that the party cannot remain strong if it is distracted by internal disputes.
Speaking at the joint Wanita Keadilan and Angkatan Muda Keadilan congress in Ayer Keroh on Friday (Aug 14), she said the party risked weakening itself if factionalism continued to dominate.
