PETALING JAYA: The Perak state PKR convention on Tuesday is expected to set the mood for the national congress on Thursday.
The Perak convention will be the last state convention this year, while Selangor remains the only state yet to have its convention.
“There is no requirement for all states to hold their convention, but it is by practice to do so.
“Selangor is yet to hold one probably as a sign of protest considering the ongoing feud between the party president and deputy president,” said an insider.
The Perak convention is expected to be the biggest with about 2,000 delegates scheduled to attend.
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will deliver the keynote address, followed by Perak PKR chief, Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak and party secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“Anwar is expected to touch on the state of poverty in the country, an issue which he has highlighted in previous state conventions also.
“He is probably taking jabs at Datuk Seri Mohd Azmin Ali, who is also the Economics Affairs Minister,” said the insider.
Farhash, who is Anwar’s political secretary and also the most vocal of his supporters will touch on preserving unity within the party and also on the presence of “pretenders” in PKR.
On the national congress, a veteran party member said it was unlikely that Azmin would organise a parallel congress, but it was very likely he had something up his sleeve.
“We are not sure what he may be up to. Maybe he and his group will stage a walkout as a sign of protest.
“Whatever it is, both he and Anwar will truly be able to gauge the support they have from the members during the congress.
“There will be a clear divide and it is going to be obvious. Everyone is waiting to see who really has the numbers.”
The national congress will be held at the MITC in Malacca from Dec 5-8.
Azmin is scheduled to officiate the PKR Wanita congress on Dec 5, while Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail will officiate the Youth congress.
Another insider revealed that even up till the last minute, there were still attempts by certain individuals to get the two leaders to reconcile before the congress.
Apparently, those involved in the alleged peacemaking process are neutral and are good with both factions.
“This group strongly believes that the PKR congress will be the last straw for Anwar and Azmin and could well tear the party apart if things go out of hand.
“PKR is the largest party in PH and if Azmin walks out, he could well take along up to 14 to 15 MPs which will certainly not augur well for the party,” he said.
The party veteran also said Pakatan Harapan is expected to hold their presidential council meeting this month, probably within the first two weeks.
“This is also going to be an event to look out for. Rumours are that Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is expected to announce the date for the handover to Anwar.
“Apparently this has been agreed upon by Dr Mahathir and Anwar … whether it is going to be a reality is left to be seen.”