Too early to talk about becoming PKR president, says Anwar

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has brushed off talks of him becoming the president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as the Registrar of Societies (ROS) had yet to approve amendments to the party constitution.

"It is too early to talk about the presidency, wait for the ROS first. Once the ROS has approved the amendments, then we will talk," he said.

"I am currently enjoying myself. Wait for the ROS to approve the amendments which have been made to the party constitution," Anwar told reporters today after the close of the party’s special congress to make changes to its constitution.

Anwar delivered the closing speech at PKR's special national congress at the Dewan Raja Muda Musa where delegates voted unanimously in favour of amending the party constitution.

Prior to Anwar's closing speech, Selangor PKR secretary Amirudin Shari had told delegates that the time was right for the opposition leader to take over as PKR president.

When Anwar was released from prison in 2004, he was prohibited from assuming any political positions for five years.

Although he is currently referred to as supreme leader or ketua umum, Amirudin said the position was created for Anwar and not actually an official position recognised by the PKR party constitution.

As more than five years has passed, Amirudin said the coast was clear for Anwar to succeed his wife Datin Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as the party president.

PKR is scheduled to hold its party elections next year and speculation is rife that Anwar might be in the running for president.

Amirudin was one of 16 PKR state representatives who was speaking at the party's special congress at the Dewan Raja Muda Musa in Shah Alam today.

The Batu Caves state assemblyman said this was the ideal time for Anwar to ascend as party president and lead PKR to greater heights.

"A clear organisation and leadership based on the party constitution is vital for PKR to move forward in the future," Amirudin said as he argued supporting Anwar for president.

The party has faced numerous challenges and obstacles to reach its current position, including positioning Anwar to become party president.

Yesterday, The Malaysian Insider reported that Anwar’s role in the party had been subject to much debate between two factions, with many urging him to make a decision to avoid further clashes in the party.

One group wants Anwar to remain as supreme leader and is seeking amendments to the constitution to make the "supreme leader" post part of the leadership hierarchy. Under this proposal, Dr Wan Azizah will continue to be its president.

The second group favours Anwar taking over as party chief with Dr Wan Azizah retiring after leading the party since its inception in 1999. However, some party leaders believe that taking over as the PKR president will create complications for Anwar in the leadership structure of Pakatan Rakyat (PR).

“Some believe his stature will be dented once he takes over as he is seen to be above partisan politics. If he is PKR president, he will be on par with PAS president Datuk Seri Abdul Hadi Awang and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng,” said the same source.

Another view is that Anwar, as PKR president, will pose little problem in the Pakatan hierarchy as DAP and PAS have already accepted Anwar as the coalition’s choice for prime minister if it captures Putrajaya.

A party lawmaker said many want to see Anwar installed as president as it would strengthen the party and formalise his position within it. - November 24, 2013.