PKR deputy presidency hopeful Zaid Ibrahim said that his election would help solidify the party’s position as the backbone of the Pakatan Rakyat coalition.

Zaid played the 'Pakatan link' card as one of five promises posted on his blog today in response to the over 30 nominations he has received to contest for the party deputy presidency.

His promises come in the wake of sustained criticism by party leaders against his string of public complaints against his detractors for allegedly ganging up to undermine him.

azlan In what seems to be an election manifesto of sorts, Zaid's blog posting said that the strength of PKR was critical to the unity and effectiveness of Pakatan.

"The reality is that PKR must control more seats in Parliament in order for us to become the backbone of Pakatan and function as an effective opposition leader," he said.

He was making an obvious reference to the uncommon arrangement in which PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim was maintained as opposition leader, despite his party no longer having the largest number of seats on the opposition bench.

The arrangement has the blessings of Pakatan allies PAS and DAP, who  have both stated their support for Anwar to continue as opposition leader, and that the position will not be challenged.

Zaid said that PKR also must ensure that it maintains close ties with its Pakatan allies and that he was capable of playing the role of an effective conduit.

“I can fulfil this role more effectively to ensure that the strength of the party is maintained,” he said.

In an apparent bid to appeal to PAS and DAP leaders, Zaid said that the state governments led by Pakatan allies would also be given a “big role” to ensure a major victory in the next general election.

Funds for poor divisions

Meanwhile, Zaid also promised to help PKR “incapacitated” divisions financially in order to help them organise activities and strengthen the party machinery.

He said that he has identified financial constraints as the main problems faced by divisions in its inability to move party activities despite having enthusiastic leaders.

NONE “I am able to revive these divisions, including finding ways to fill up their coffers in order for the divisions to have a strong and enthusiastic machinery,” said Zaid, who once owned the largest law firm in the country.

Zaid, however, did not reveal how he intends to finance his plans.

His other promises includes providing full attention to his party duties, alluding to his lack of personal problems.

“A leader cannot be effective if he has too many problems (politically or personal). More time would be spent on firefighting than on resolve party and public problems.

“I am confident that I have the ability to give the necessary attention to party affairs,” he said.

Zaid may be referring to Anwar who is fighting his second sodomy charge in court which is expected to be a drawn out affair.

He may also be referring to Azmin, who has been unable to shake off accusations of being “Umno-like” and conspiring to overthrow Selangor Menteri Besar Khalid Ibrahim.

Zaid’s two other promise involves bringing reformasi activists back into the party fold and strengthening the party’s multiracial agenda.