October 01, 2010
Zaid is running for the No. 2 post in PKR. — File pic
“I read PKR vice-president Dr Lee Boon Chye’s statement yesterday and feel that the timing of the statement was unfortunate, especially with the crucial final round of cabang elections this weekend,” said Jeffrey in a statement.
“I have also read the various interviews which Zaid had given to the media. I find them to contain his aspirations for the party and nothing else. He has not been playing victim as suggested by Dr Lee,” said the prominent member of the Kadazan-Dusun community.
Zaid came under attack soon after the Umno-owned Mingguan Malaysia published an exclusive interview with him last Sunday.
In the interview, Zaid told party leaders not to prevent him from contesting the deputy president’s post.
He also denied that he had undermined the party’s struggle, pointing out that the move to topple Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim was a bigger sin, in an apparent reference to the attack against Khalid’s leadership last June, said to have been mounted by supporters of Azmin.
“I think all party leaders should welcome any concrete suggestions made by anyone to improve the party. Some of Zaid’s suggestions can help us achieve our aims for the people,” said Jeffrey.
“The party needs more reform-minded leaders. It also needs leaders who are open-minded so that the party can move forward,” he added.
Meanwhile, PKR supreme council member N. Gobalakrishnan accused supporters of Azmin of trying to push Zaid out of the party.
Gobalakrishnan, who is running for a vice-president’s post, alleged that the group hoped to see Azmin win the contest against Zaid for the deputy president’s post.
“Judging by the statements coming out from our very own leaders, including the Ketua Umum who warned of Trojan horses in the party, I can only conclude that these people are all in one group — the group which wants Azmin to defeat Zaid for the deputy’s post,” said the Padang Serai MP in a statement today.
“Am I wrong in making this assumption? Based on what’s happening in the party, I don’t think so. I am starting to believe the stories about the Azmin cartel now,” said Gobalakrishnan.
He added that Zaid has been attacked from party leaders including the appointed communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who he said was supposed to remain neutral.
“It will be a sad day for the party if we have to forget our aims and principles, all to ensure Azmin is given a free ride to the top post. I hope not to see that day. Let’s allow PKR to remain free and independent,” said Gobalakrishnan.
He also slammed Dr Lee, saying that his statement against Zaid has been manipulated by the media to weaken the party position.
“What was the reason for Lee to issue such a statement in the first place? Was he trying to portray himself as PKR’s champion with the statement or was he instructed by someone to continue the attacks on Zaid?” asked Gobalakrishnan.
“This is not the first ‘anti-Zaid’ statement that has come from party leaders. Even the party’s communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has opted to take sides in joining the attacks against Zaid Ibrahim, thus belittling his position which warrants that he remains neutral,” he said.
Gobalakrishnan also pointed out that other party leaders including outgoing deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali, R. Sivarasa and Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin have all attacked Zaid through the media.
“Strangely all these leaders spoke to the media about this. Why is Lee now criticising Zaid for giving interviews to the media?” said Gobalakrishnan.
Fellow supreme council member S. Manikavasagam also joined in the attacks against Zaid’s opponents, urging Dr Lee to remain neutral as he would be defending his position.
“I feel the party and its office bearers have failed to uphold the fundamental principles of democracy in holding a free and fair election,” said the Kapar MP in a statement.
“I urge other senior party leaders such as Dr Lee Boon Chye to retain a neutral ground and stop issuing statements to attack other contenders, including Zaid Ibrahim,” said Manikavasagam.
“Dr Lee must realise that he is also in the contest for a top post and he should not be seen as trying to campaign to win votes by undermining others,” he added.
He said the party must be able to conduct its internal election fairly in order to maintain its credibility to criticise the Election Commission.
“I hope the party can put its house in order for the coming divisional elections this weekend so that our party does not become the laughing stock of the country,” he said.
“We should not be criticising the Election Commission over the manner it conducts the elections in this country when we ourselves can’t do a good job,” said Manikavasagam.
Azmin is now leading the nomination tally in the deputy presidential race with support from 90 divisions, while Zaid has received 33 nominations.
The remaining 38 PKR divisions will meet this weekend.
Some 400,000 PKR members will begin voting for the party’s national leadership from October 29 until November 21.
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