KUALA LUMPUR: Six PKR state chairmen have pledged their full support for party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in a joint statement.
The six are Kedah PKR chairman Datuk Johari Abdul, Amran Kamarudin (Perlis), Azan Ismail (Terengganu), Zahir Hassan (Federal Territory) , Halim Bachik (Melaka) and Datuk Seri Mohamad Supardi Md Noor (Kelantan).
Johari said he believes that more will ink the document tonight, during the party’s retreat in Port Dickson.
Speaking at a press conference after the inaugural meeting of the PKR state chairman council at its headquarters, here, Johari also expressed his belief that all state chairmen would sign the joint statement, as some of them have pledged their commitment.
“InsyaAllah, some of them have given their commitment, while some, we were unable to contact them.
“But once they arrive in Port Dickson, they will sign and we will publish it on our website.”
On whether Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shaari will also sign the joint agreement, Johari replied; “We have tried to contact him and we will meet soon. InsyaAllah, what will be available in the website this evening, that’s it (itu lah)."
Asked on Amiruddin’s reply, Johari said; “We have not been able to say much to him, but he will be in Port Dickson.”
PKR state chairmen who have yet to sign the statement of support are Amirudin, Fuziah Salleh (Pahang), Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak (Perak), Muhammad Bakhtiar (Penang), Hassan Abdul Karim (Johor), Amiruddin Harun (Negeri Sembilan), Baru Bian (Sarawak) and Datuk Christina Liew (Sabah).
Also present at the press conference were the five PKR state chiefs who signed the joint agreement.
Asked on the 28 PKR leaders, MPs and members who signed a joint statement criticising Anwar, Johari refused to comment further.
“Whether the (joint) statement is genuine, I am not sure. I have yet to read it (the statement).”
The joint statement yesterday urged Anwar to stop making divisive statements.
They said Anwar’s remarks that Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali should resign from his Cabinet post should the sex clips implicating the Economic Affairs Minister turn out to be true, was inappropriate and based on speculative assertions.
Among those who signed the joint statement were vice-presidents Zuraida Kamaruddin, Tian Chua and Ali Biju, Wanita PKR chief Haniza Talha, deputy party secretary-general Datuk Seri Dr Edmund Santhara, and central leadership council members Amirudin Shari, Sivarasa Rasiah, Elizabeth Wong, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Baru Bian.
The statement was initially signed by 26 members, but party vice-president Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar and Alor Star MP Chan Ming Kai were later added to the list.
Meanwhile, Johari said during the meeting today, the council took the stand to fully support the party president.
“Second, we are also in support of the president’s move to develop PKR and subsequently make the party strong and well-respected in the country.
“Third, we stand firm behind him to face any challenges, should any parties try to weaken the party.
“We will also give our undivided commitment to him, in his efforts to lead the country as expected by the people.
“Lastly, we believe that Anwar is a president that alway fulfills his promises to the people as what he pledged during the last general election and we will support him to ensure everything will be materialised," Johari said.