Azmin: PKR is not Malay-based Azmin

PETALING JAYA: In a clash of perception over whether Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is a Malay-based party, its deputy president Azmin Ali shot down the notion saying that its membership is multiracial and multi-religious.
Azmin said party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution, who is one of the candidates fighting him for the deputy presidency in the party polls, was wrong in insisting that PKR was essentially Malay.
“PKR has never been a Malay-based party.
“I have stressed from the beginning the responsibility of the party is to ensure that a new political culture can be brought in this country, that is a multi-racial and multi-religious political party,” Azmin told a press conference today.
Pointing at the wide acceptance of the younger members for a multiracial party, Azmin said PKR has broken out from the culture of race-based politics.
Saifuddin had reportedly said on April 11 that PKR is “still” a Malay-based party.
“That is the reality. I think the non-Malays in the party have also accepted that,” he had said.
Azmin reiterated that PKR was never meant for one race.
“It is true that initially it was not easy to introduce a new political culture and to be inclusive of all races and religions, but after 15 years we have proven that the new generation have accepted the idea of a multiracial party, ” he said
On the formation of alliances by party leaders, Azmin stressed that this is unhealthy.
“I have said earlier that my prime concern is that the formation of these alliance is not healthy for the future of the party.
“Those who decide the fate and future of the party are the members,” he added
Azmin was commenting on Saifuddin’s announcement on April 8 that he will be teaming up with party vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar and strategic director Rafizi Ramli.
Azmin will be up against Saifuddin, Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and Hulu Selangor branch member Datuk K. Ramachandram for the deputy president’s post.
It has also been confirmed that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will take on his wife Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail for the president’s post.
PKR, which introduced the “one person one vote” electoral system will hold its election from April 25 to May 11.