PETALING JAYA: Wanita Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has suggested that the party create a post for ‘Ketua Umum’ or de-facto leader as a recognition for PKR advisor Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Its chief Zuraida Kamarudin said the post would not be opened for contest and that it would only be given to Anwar based on his role in the party’s development.
“The post of a de-facto leader would not pose a threat to the authority of the party’s president and deputy president as it only serves as a mentor for the party’s development,” she said in her keynote address at the Wanita PKR national congress here yesterday.
She said that Anwar was the individual responsible for ensuring the party’s political survival.
Speaking to reporters later, Zuraida said the movement would table the motion tomorrow.
“We want the ‘Ketua Umum’ position to be made official at the end of the congress.
It won’t be contested and (accorded) only to Anwar,” she said.
Asked on the role a de-facto leader, Zuraida said: “Apart from consolidating the party, we need to have a president to lead the party; we (also) need to build our international image and Anwar is already there and we should capitalise on that.” Meanwhile PKR Youth movement, the Angkatan Muda Keadilan, pledged to focus on “fighting for a fair trial for Anwar in his sodomy trial.”
“This should be the main mission of the AMK,” its chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin said in his speech at the movement’s congress. — Bernama