SHAH ALAM: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has chastised the party’s ex-Sarawak chief, Baru Bian, for his absence over the course of the three-day 13th PKR National Congress.
Anwar said Baru gave no explanation for not attending the congress, which took place at the Ideal Convention Centre, here.
“Baru Bian… no reason (for his absence). That is why I called him out (during my adjournment speech).
“I had said that there was a minister who was not present (at the congress),” Anwar said during a press conference following the congress’ conclusion.
He said two other leaders – Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Water, Land and Natural Resources Minister Dr Xavier Jayakumar – were unable to make it due to official duties abroad.
Saifuddin is accompanying Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on a two-day working visit to Papua New Guinea.
“Of course, we gave (Saifuddin) consent, because he is accompanying the Prime Minister in Papua New Guinea.
“Xavier is away in Egypt, where he is chairing a meeting at an international conference,” said Anwar.
In his speech earlier, Anwar told the delegates that he would not hesitate to single out those who fail to carry out their party obligations – even if they hold important posts in the government.
He said he will not compromise with them as well as party leaders when it comes to the issue of being lazy.
“(I will) call out ministers. I do not care if you have (important) positions.
“(Attend) the party congress, unless you have special permission like Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah and Xavier.
“But there is a minister who is not present. I want to tell them that they were chosen because of the support they received from the people and party members.
“They cannot… underestimate the (importance of their) position and the importance of the party. I want to give a reminder that this kind of situation has to be fixed. I will not compromise with anyone,” said Anwar.