Outgoing No 2: Continuing in post will not stop drama
Outgoing PKR deputy president Syed Husin Ali said that even if he kept his position, the conflict within the party stemming from the direct polls is bound to continue.
But he insisted that the decision not to stand for election was entirely his own, and that nothing will stop the drama even if it had been otherwise.
"This is my own decision. I decided on my own to relinquish my post as deputy president.
"There are some friends who say that this is all the cause of all the havoc in the party elections, and not (party de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim) and (vice-president Azmin Ali). I believe that even if I were to defend my post, there will still be disturbances if the main players are still the same," he said.
Although Syed Husin (above, at podium) did not name names, it was clear that he was referring to former PKR Federal Territories chief Zaid Ibrahim.
But without naming anyone in particular, Syed Husin went on to hit out at "party traitors" and "irresponsible leaders" in his curtain call speech at the opening of the PKR Youth and Wanita congress.
'Third force' will only strengthen Umno-BN
The veteran politician also gave the delegates a history lesson at the event held at the Petaling Jaya Civic Centre this morning.
Recounting the formation of the various Opposition coalitions that has come and gone throughout the years since the birth of the country as well as the history of the party, Syed Husin said that PKR has always been a rainbow party made up of many factions.
"Party members come from different backgrounds and are varied in their political orientation. But until now, there are still some still carried away by their old influences. Although small in number, they can create unrest and discomfort among members.
"The bigger problem is how to create this awareness, that no matter where you come from, all are now Keadilan members," he said.
Touching on the goodwill and cooperation already existing among the Opposition party leaders, an unprecedented and strongest show of unity in the country's history, Syed Husin reiterated his stand that a 'third force' will only damage the Pakatan.
"Now what we have, can actually be the rakyat's choice in the general elections. But there are still attempts to form what is known as the 'third force'.
"If this materialises, this body can only strengthen Umno-BN. It will create an obstacle to Pakatan for a big victory," he said, adding the whole situation must be handled wisely.
