Dont blame Abim, Keadilan leaders told
Instead, it must respect the wishes of the majority and look into the reasons for opposing the merger.
Sources close to Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement (Abim) said the party leadership should not blame organisations like Abim for allegedly being involved in behind-the-scenes move to scupper the merger proposal.
The highly placed sources also said Abim members in Keadilan were taking part in party matters in their personal capacity and "do not represent the view of Abim".
The sources, however, added that Abim was aware that the majority of its members who are also Keadilan members were against the merger plan.
In a special annual general assembly held recently, Keadilan delegates voted in favour of the merger despite some last-minute campaigning by certain quarters in the party to turn the tide.
The result has sparked rumours that Abim played a role in the attempt to get delegates to vote against the merger.
Objections
The sources said a reason for some quarters to oppose the merger was that Keadilan was seen to be giving in to a number of PRM's request to amend party constitution, including the provision on the position of Islam - from Islam as a way life to Islam as an official religion, similar to the one in the federal constitution.
The sources added that these objections were based on feedback from the party grassroot that Keadilan may lose its support if the merger materialised, given the history of PRM, which was once a socialist party.
"As it is now, the people look to Keadilan as an alternative to Umno. They feel that the PRM leader should instead dissolve the party and all its members join Keadilan," the sources added.
Alternatively, PRM should continue to exist as a political party because Barisan Alternatif (BA) could not possibly survive with only Keadilan and PAS, after DAP left the coalition last month.
"With PRM around, at least the BA has three coalition partners," said the sources.
