Economic issues to dominate congress?
Although many expect Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to explain why he failed in his much-touted bid to topple the government at the PKR congress this weekend at the Malawati Stadium, some party leaders want to use the congress as a platform to discuss more pressing issues like strengthening the opposition’s hold of Selangor, Penang, Perak, Kedah and Kelantan.
Economic issues are also expected to take centrestage, in light of the global economic slowdown affecting the world following the financial meltdown in the west.
PKR Congress There is no question Sept 16 will be on the minds of many delegates, but party leaders believe there are many other pressing issues that deserve more attention.
Although many expect Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim to explain why he failed in his much-touted bid to topple the government at the PKR congress this weekend at the Malawati Stadium, some party leaders want to use the congress as a platform to discuss more pressing issues like strengthening the opposition’s hold of Selangor, Penang, Perak, Kedah and Kelantan.
Economic issues are also expected to take centrestage, in light of the global economic slowdown affecting the world following the financial meltdown in the west.
PKR vice-president Azmin Ali tried to play down the Sept 16 issue by arguing that there were other more urgent issues at hand to discuss rather than the failed bid to take over the reins of the government.
"Issues like the economic downturn that is affecting the world and continuing the opposition’s control in the five states are of primary concern.
"I think these issues should be discussed at length and should dominate the discussions and debates," he told Malaysiakini yesterday.
Azmin, who is also Gombak MP, said the Pakatan-led states have to work hard to come up with new policies to show the rakyat that the opposition coalition is capable of good governance.
"I think this should be the objective of the convention as the people would want to know where the party is heading and how well we work with our other coalition partners," Azmin said.
The PKR vice-president said another hot topic during the congress would certainly be the worrying economic and financial crisis.
"We have to point out that the Barisan Nasional-tabled budget would not be enough to counter the expected recession following the financial meltdown in the west.
"Pakatan also has to convince the people that the alternative budget announced by Anwar would be more effective in addressing the challenges following the global economic problems.
"I feel all Malaysians have to work together if we are to successfully shoulder the effects of this phenomenon."
Anwar may or may not explain
Asked his views on education, Azmin said although PKR members accept Bahasa Melayu as the national language, they also recognise the importance of other languages, especially in education.
"We recognise and appreciate the differences of all Malaysians and they should be accorded equal opportunities to converse and learn their own language and also be provided equal opportunities and access to education," he said.
Coming back to the issue of the failed Sept 16 bid, Azmin said Anwar may or may not want to explain the situation. He, however, believes that people have to move on and work to help win the hearts of BN parliamentarians.
"I feel it would be premature to discuss this issue as we are still working on it. I do not know whether Anwar will give his reasons but I feel there are other pressing matters which should be discussed, including the economy and maintaining our strength in the five states," he said.
