Selangor PKR refuses to endorse Pakatan’s choice of PM, DPM
(TMI) – BARELY 24 hours after Pakatan Harapan announced its prime minister and deputy prime minister candidates, the Mohamed Azmin Ali-led Selangor PKR said it will not endorse the appointments.
PKR information chief Hizwan Ahmad said Selangor PKR would stick to its stance of disagreeing with the appointment of former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to the country’s top two posts should the opposition pact come into power.
“The PH convention, which took place last night, summed up three important resolutions ahead of the 14th general election,” said Hizwan in a statement today.
“With what remains of democracy and freedom of speech, Selangor PKR expresses its frustration and disappointment with the announcement of PH’s candidates for prime minister and deputy prime minister. ”
At the PH convention in Shah Alam yesterday, the opposition coalition announced that its chairman, Dr Mahathir, would be prime minister and Dr Wan Azizah his deputy if it won GE14 and formed the federal government.
PH secretary-general Saifuddin Abdullah had said under an agreement between pact members, Dr Mahathir must give way to Anwar Ibrahim to take over once the new government obtained a royal pardon for the latter.
Hizwan said while Selangor PKR respected the decision of PH’s top leadership, the party, at the state level, held a different view on the matter.
“Nearly 20 years ago, the reformasi movement took to the streets.
“We have succeeded in proving that the party has the ability to rule fairly and equitably.
“Selangor is proof that we can bring about a change in the administration that is headed towards peace and prosperity. ”
During his speech at the PH convention, Dr Mahathir thanked Anwar and his family for accepting him and allowing him to lead the pact in the next general election, putting aside a decades-long political feud between the two leaders.
The former prime minister said he understood that while it was not easy for those who did not like him to accept him, he was grateful for their willingness to put aside their differences for the country’s future.
Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali was overcome with emotion after her husband, Dr Mahathir, delivered his speech.
Hizwan said Selangor PKR felt strongly that the prime minister candidate should come from the party.
“We should take into account that the country is facing a new era. Millenials certainly want to see a fresh, wealthy and far-sighted person bring this country out of the disaster that has been created by the Umno and Barisan Nasional leadership.
“The people won’t forget easily. The reformasi movement must be enforced in all aspects – the system, policies, administration, administrators.”
He said Selangor PKR had pledged its readiness to defend the state, and to work hard to win GE14.
“We call on all hardcore reformers to continue to reject Umno and BN.
“Heading towards the election, anything can happen. To Allah we surrender, and seek guidance and help.”
Analysts had said the consensus by PH on the top two posts was a breakthrough for the coalition, and a sign of its commitment to stick together to take over the government.
