Zaid can play advisory role in PKR

by David Yeoh

” …much of public discourse has departed sharply from reality. Self-evident common sense appears to have been turned on its head. Reality seems to have been recast, with fantasies recalibrated as facts while demonstrate truths are dismissed as a matter of opinion at best…This isn’t just a question of disagreement over issues or polices. Those who dissent are vilified as beyond the pale, and many fear speaking up. The phenomenon has affected not just the political sphere, where ideology often crowds out facts, for  even parts of the scientific domain have given in to irrationality…no debate is possible because there is to be no dissent from positions that are indisputably true and right.”–Melanie Phillips, The World Turned Upside Down

Comment: WHETHER we like it or not, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is becoming a major political force to be reckoned with, so important developments on or changes in its leadership are of public interest and concern. This is the time for closing of the ranks.

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim’s recent announcement of his decision to vie for the post of deputy president of PKR is untimely. Furthermore it appears to be causing much dissent and divisions in the party than originally anticipated. It is forcing many PKR leaders and members to make a difficult choice at a time when it needs to be truly united in facing the coming challenges.

Zaid has his strengths no doubt but he has only joined the party for hardly a year. It is not a question of his right to offer himself, and of course, every member who qualifies also has such a right. It is also not about proving that PKR is a democratic party. To earn respect, trust and recognition from members, he needs much more time to serve the party. That said, he can make major contributions in terms of his strategic skills and wide network.

Zaid should consider going for one of the vice-presidency posts. Or he can even plan a useful advisory or even behind-the-scene role to train and guide younger members on the PKR ideology and struggle. Therefore, there is no need for him to challenge Azmin Ali for the deputy presidency.

Azmin has been with the party since its inception in 1999 and he has proven his loyalty, commitment, capability and leadership. He is also a dynamic grassroots leader. As a younger and more dynamic leader, he can play a more effective role in complementing Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as president and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim as the de facto leader. He enjoys the confidence of the leadership and is well-groomed to lead PKR, given his broad experience in politics and administration. It should be remembered that Azmin is the PR whip in Parliament where he has played a very effective role.

Kuala Lumpur