Ramanan, Kamil not 'new talent' in PKR, says Fuziah
KUALA LUMPUR: PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh has dismissed the claim that the party brought forward its elections to propel "new talent" such as Datuk Seri R. Ramanan and Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.
She dismissed the claim as an "overstretched notion", pointing out that Ramanan is already a deputy minister (of the Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Ministry), while Kamil is a recognised youth leader, even during his tenure as deputy youth chief.
"They need no introduction to the grassroots," she said when contacted.
Fuziah, however, confirmed that the idea to hold party elections after the 16th General Election (GE16) was first mooted in August last year.
"The political bureau then decided to form a committee tasked with engaging stakeholders and studying the implications, as well as possible amendments to the constitution should it become necessary," she said.
She said among the key considerations for the initial decision to delay the elections was to ensure party stability and strengthen ties between the leadership and grassroots in preparation for GE16.
Asked what prompted the reversal, Fuziah said the suggestion came from party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister.
"The idea to hold party elections before GE16 was mooted by the party president himself. He had shared his thoughts and observations that the party needs a fresh change in grassroots leadership to prepare the election machinery and divisions for GE16."
She said the political bureau and central leadership council agreed with the proposal and endorsed it in September.
"Hence, preparations for the party elections began soon after."
Fuziah added that while party leaders were free to express differing views during internal discussions, all must unite behind the final decision.
"As a member of the central leadership, I subscribe to the values that all of us may have personal views and are free to express our opinions during the decision-making process.
"However, once a decision is made, it becomes a collective responsibility to uphold it and move forward as one."
Last night, PKR deputy president candidate Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli claimed that the party initially had agreed to hold its party election after GE16.
Speaking at a campaign event in Terengganu, Rafizi said the leadership had planned to prioritise governance and the people's needs over internal politics.
He said the decision was based on past experiences, where party elections led to intense contests for top posts and caused internal turmoil.
However, he claimed the decision was reversed, on the grounds that party elections were needed to bring in 'new talent', in which he specifically named Ramanan, who is eyeing a vice-president post, and Kamil, who won the PKR Youth chief post uncontested.
Meanwhile, on managing potential friction during the party elections, Fuziah said leaders and members would be gathering in Johor Baru in less than a week for the party's national congress.
"It is commonly accepted that every party has teams within teams. However, I believe that, at the end of the day, every candidate offers themselves to contribute to the betterment of the party and should never harbour divisive behaviour."
Fuziah said she had begun a consolidation and reconciliation tour as part of efforts to unify the party ahead of the polls.
"I am currently on a nationwide tour to prepare delegates for the congress with briefings on logistical matters, while at the same time promoting the 'Kita Keadilan' message, which is a call for unity.
"The objective and message, as secretary-general, is to reinforce that we are one. The party election is simply an internal mechanism to choose the best among our pool of leaders to serve at the central, youth and women's wings levels.
"It should bring us stronger together, not otherwise. So far, the momentum for Kita Keadilan has been growing, with more grassroots leaders and aspiring candidates joining the tour and echoing the call."
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