KUALA LUMPUR: PKR was not established and built up by one individual or family – instead, it was formed by the Malaysian people.
The party’s deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, said that he was among the founding-members of the multiracial party on April 4, 1999 – yet he was called a ‘traitor’ by debaters at the 2019 PKR National Congress in Melaka, which ended on Sunday.
“On April 4, 1999, I was present in this hall as one of those who was called upon to establish Parti Keadilan Nasional at that time.
“I believe that there were many more people in this hall, yet 20 years later, I am called a traitor. (But) those who call me a traitor were not even in the hall at that time (20 years ago),” he said.
Azmin, who is the Economic Affairs Minister, said this in his speech at the 2030 ‘Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama’ (Shared Prosperity Vision) dinner with delegates of the party's National Congress here, last night.
He said PKR would not be where it is today without the support and strength of the Malaysian people.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this party would not be strong, intact and successful without all those who were present. This party was not built by one person, it was not built by a family, this party was built by Malaysians,” he said.
In his speech, Azmin also said he was among the earliest individuals to defend Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim when he was sacked from Umno and as Deputy Prime Minister in 1998.
“It was not easy to build Keadilan (PKR). I was jailed before Anwar was sent to prison on Sept 20. I entered (jail) first ... don’t erase history.
“I went to jail on Sept 16, was stripped and was trampled upon in the struggle to build Keadilan (PKR), which we built.
“This was the reason that I was extremely disappointed ... several people whose name do not even sound Malaysian ... (claiming) that they are the reformist and fighters, and then say you (Azmin) are the traitor ...,” he said.
Azmin said that by right, there should have been no problems at the recent National Congress, which began with a punch-up between members of different factions.
“This is a Congress, not a political ceramah. This is a Congress by a ruling party. The rakyat want debaters to debate on economic issues, the Shared Prosperity Vision, housing issues, fishermen, farmers, Felda settlers... was there any?
“As the deputy president, I am ashamed that the debaters who were chosen lacked the necessary quality, which in turn, only humiliated the party,” he added.
Met by reporters after the dinner, Azmin said that his speech was not an “attack” on anyone, but merely an explanation to party members that he was always ready to defend Anwar.
"This is not a lie. This is what I have been doing for 20 years – defending the (party) president. I am loyal, but I do not want him to be influenced by people who do not understand the real issues of ‘reformasi’,” he said.
Azmin also stressed that he would not establish a new party.
“The question on establishing a new party does not arise. We have built the party (PKR) together with the people for 20 years, and we will remain with the party. When we have problems, we should discuss with each other to find a solution," he said.
Meanwhile, PKR vice-president Zuraida Kamaruddin said that she and Azmin are prepared to be sacked from the party for organising the ‘Wawasan Kemakmuran Bersama’ dinner.
"If we get fired, Azmin and I are ready," she said in her speech at the event.
Zuraida, a known Azmin supporter, also openly attacked Anwar by alleging that the Port Dickson MP had failed to manage PKR properly, and made inappropriate appointments in the party.
“I know that our speeches tonight are being recorded. I want the president to hear them, in the hope that he will change and regain his wisdom to put the party on the right track,” she added.
The dinner was attended by over 3,000 people, comprising representatives of the National Congress, observers, and PKR members from across the country.
The event was also attended by vice preside
nts Ali Biju and Tian Chua, PKR Wanita chief Haniza Mohamed Talha, PKR Youth deputy chief (AMK) Muhammad Hilman Idham and Central Leadership Council members Amirudin Shaari and R. Sivarasa.