SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali’s disapproval of several key appointments in PKR’s leadership line-up as announced by party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is not unexpected.
Geostrategist Assoc Prof Dr Azmi Hassan of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia said the reason Azmin aired his dissatisfaction was likely because he felt he was at a disadvantage.
“There are several appointments in the leadership line-up that spell a clear threat to Azmin’s future. It is not only his future in PKR but also in the government.
“Azmin’s strategy (to object) clearly showed that he is willing to go all out and will rock the PKR boat because he is aware that he has only a few upper hand in the party,” Azmi told the New Straits Times Press today.
Azmi was commenting on Azmin’s dispute against the PKR leadership line up, which he said does not reflect the principles of fair and just representation of party members' aspiration.
At the same time, Azmi said Anwar should be more careful in handling the situation as his desire to be Malaysia’s future prime minister could be at stake given the current situation.
“The most critical factor is that Anwar’s future as prime minister is at stake and it is also dependent on Azmin’s and PKR’s stance. Anwar’s ambition to be the PM very much depends on PKR on whether or not the party will give him the full backing.
“This is because Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia, in its recent second annual general meeting, had showed support for Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad to remain PM until the 15th General Election,” he said.
Azmi said it was quite obvious that Azmin is using Anwar’s desire to be PM as a factor to make public of his disapproval of latter’s decisions.
“I think Azmin will strategise his next move, which was initially to make the spat public, to portray that Anwar’s future as PM lies in his hands. It is to show that Azmin is the deciding factor,” he said.
He said the exchange between Azmin and Anwar on the leadership line-up will affect the duo's relationship that goes back to the Reformasi days.
“But with the current political scenario, it is not relevant anymore since both Anwar and Azmin have gained the same stature in terms of political clout.”
Meanwhile, Universiti Utara Malaysia’s political analyst Prof Dr Mohd Azizuddin Mohd Sani said open criticism towards one leader to another seemed to be the way forward and acceptable within Pakatan Harapan, regardless of it being made inter or intra-party.
He said Azmin and Anwar’s dispute may not be good in the eyes of the 'rakyat' but it will not affect their relationship despite the differences in opinion.
“I believe Azmin and Anwar will resolve this matter amicably and harmoniously through discussions. If this is not handled properly, it could potentially led to splits in the party.
"To deter issues that could arise from leaders being appointed, there is a need for an amendment to be made to the party’s constitution for them to be elected instead.
“This could avert cronyism and bias to ensure the party’s democracy and stability.
"Misunderstandings are normal and it happens in any political party. I am sure that Anwar will have the wisdom to handle this situation with Azmin so that PKR will remain strong.” said Azizuddin.