KUALA LUMPUR: The internal turbulence that has struck PKR in the last six months may have sent ripples of concern through its two comrade parties but has done little to cloud their faith in a Pakatan Rakyat-led future.
Both DAP and PAS stood by PKR in a silent but stoic show of solidarity while it reeled from a series of defections and a bitter by-election loss. And as PKR heads towards party elections in December, they voiced faith that it would emerge stronger and better.
In a recent interview with FMT, however, PKR supreme council member, Zaid Ibrahim, provided a critical analysis of the party's flaws. Topping the list was the lack of credible leaders and Anwar Ibrahim's non-presidential role.
DAP or PAS continued to maintain a respectful stance while responding to this analysis and were careful not to breach the fine line between observation and outright criticism.
DAP chairman Karpal Singh was in fact puzzled as to why his opinion was being sought on the private matters of another party.
“It's not for us to comment on PKR,” he said. “Yes, we are concerned about its recent troubles but we have never doubted its core leadership, which is still very strong.”
“The defections have served the purpose of weeding out the bad apples, so it's not entirely bad. As for Anwar, I'm sure he has his own reasons for not assuming the role of president and we must respect that.”
'PKR facing confidence issue'
PAS' Dzulkefly Ahmad mirrored Karpal's stand by explaining that PAS preferred to leave the management and commitment of strengthening PKR to its own leadership.
“If the tables were turned, I wouldn't want PKR to tell PAS what to do,” he laughed. “PAS is not at all worried about PKR. But having said that, we definitely want to see all our component parties solid and ready for the next election.”
His colleague, Khalid Samad, meanwhile, contemplated the fairness of comparing PKR to its Pakatan counterparts.
“PKR is under a lot more pressure than PAS and DAP simply because Barisan realises its crucial role within Pakatan,” he noted. “BN is creating huge problems for PKR and despite that, it is doing extremely well. That should not be overlooked in the greater scheme of things.”
DAP Selangor vice-chairman, Charles Santiago, was more blunt in his assessment of PKR. He opined that PKR is facing a “confidence issue” among its supporters.
“Many people are unhappy that their vote has been repaid by defections,” he said. “PKR has to move quickly to restore this confidence, especially among the rural and urban poor. A good start would be for it to be vocal about the Selangor government's performance and delivery.”
Charles also joined Zaid's call for Anwar to step up to the presidential plate.
“He should have been party president a long time ago. I don't know what he's waiting for. DAP has always agreed that Anwar is of great importance in leading Pakatan forward.”
PAS strength a matter of perspection
In his analysis, Zaid had remarked that PAS, unlike PKR, was better trained and prepared for external attacks hence the zero defections. Both Khalid and Dzulkefly only partially agreed with him.
“You can't tell how strong PAS is until it's time for us to display our strength,” Khalid stated. “And like I mentioned earlier, PAS is not under as much pressure because Kelantan isn't a sore a point as Selangor is for BN.”
“Whether we are strong or not is a matter of perception as we can just as easily find ourselves under a similar attack. For now, it is a good image to have and I hope we can live up to it when it is most important.”
Dzulkefly, on the other hand, highlighted the fact that PAS is 50 years old and has been through its own share of turmoil. He went on to defend PKR with the reminder that it is still a very young party.
“Back then, PKR had to choose the best from a very small pool,” he said. “Now that pool has expanded and I'm confident that it will field better candidates the next time round.”
“But this is a lesson for all of us. All three parties could benefit from a better candidate screening process. Eligibility is one thing, readiness to take up the challenge is quite another. There is a lot of risk involved in being an MP and many candidates don't fully realise that.”
DAP and PAS anticipate PKR's party elections to produce a more credible aeadership to further solidify the Pakatan coalition and set it on an unstoppable course towards the next general election.
“PKR has been through the worst of times,” Khalid added. “And it can only get better from hereon. BN has constantly highlighted the questionable quality of PKR candidates. It's time PKR fought back and where better to start than its party elections.”
Free Malaysia Today
24/06/10
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