Anwar on Zaid, defections: We have gone through worse before

Zaid, Anwar

“We have gone through worse in the past, deputy presidents, some key leaders leaving the party, we have MPs leaving before. So we do realise that we are an opposition party under siege, under fierce attack.

“We are realistic enough to accept and face the challenges. But, of course, our appeal for all to stay consolidated and remain committed to the principles of the party. You contest in any democratic elections you are bound to win, and to lose,” said Anwar.


KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 8 — Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim demanded today that Datuk Zaid Ibrahim provide proof to his allegations of fraud in the on-going PKR party elections.

The PKR de facto leader said the party had already answered the allegations by social activist Haris Ibrahim yesterday regarding claims of vote-rigging.

“I believe the party leadership can discuss the matter further (with Zaid). We have already discussed with the secretary-general, and the issues brought forth and those in relation to blogger Haris Ibrahim have been answered and he has not responded to our answer. His allegations are wild allegations,” Anwar told reporters today.

PKR has denied Haris’ claims that ballot papers for the on-going party elections are available outside the polls, saying those in Haris’ possession are from the previous weekend’s voting.

A total of 68 divisions carried out the party’s first-ever direct polls for the top leadership. Another nine divisions held theirs yesterday, with unofficial results showing Azmin Ali is now leading the pack for the party deputy presidency with 4,146 votes against Zaid’s 3,402 and Mustafa Kamil Ayub’s 1,189.

Anwar also reminded Zaid that any form of unfavourable results in the on-going elections should not undermine one’s “commitment” towards the party’s struggles.

Anwar said he had not received any formal notification from Zaid concerning his decision to withdraw from the party polls and posts.

“We have not received anything… no no… if I may offer my advice, in my point of view this (PKR elections) is only a normal competition, it should not affect one’s commitment to the struggles of the party.

“As of right now, there is no meeting needed on Zaid’s resignation,” Anwar said.

Zaid dropped a bombshell this morning when he announced that he had decided to pull out from the fractious three-cornered race, blaming the party leadership for condoning electoral fraud and election malpractices.

He also resigned from all party posts, including his positions as PKR Federal Territories chief, PKR Wangsa Maju division chief and PKR political bureau member.

Amid the uproar his announcement had caused, Zaid maintained today that he would not back down from his decision and continued to voice disappointment over the party’s failure to address his concerns.

Anwar claimed today that Zaid’s withdrawal could have been an “early reaction” caused by the results of the Sabah PKR elections over the weekend where the former Umno law minister lost out to Azmin.

“Of course, the feeling is that we need the contribution and participation of all leaders including Zaid. But at the same time, I want to remind that you come in to support the principles of the struggle. (When) you allege a specific allegation, I ask the secretary-general whether there is evidence to the allegation. If there is we will immediately ask the elections committee and the disciplinary committee to take action,” Anwar said.

Asked whether Zaid’s actions would be a big loss to the party, Anwar said PKR has gone through “worse” ordeals before.

“We have gone through worse in the past, deputy presidents, some key leaders leaving the party, we have MPs leaving before. So we do realise that we are an opposition party under siege, under fierce attack.

“We are realistic enough to accept and face the challenges. But, of course, our appeal for all to stay consolidated and remain committed to the principles of the party. You contest in any democratic elections you are bound to win, and to lose,” said Anwar.