PKR president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail has expressed confidence that party members would close ranks, following the bruising party election that has generated much bad

publicity.

pkr congress pc 271110 wan azizah "We are confident we can close ranks today. We will go ahead with the election as we know that in any competition, there are winners and losers.

"So, whatever the results, we will be able to close ranks," she told reporters after officiating the Seventh PKR National Congress here today.

She said this when asked whether party members would be able to close ranks, following the recently-concluded party direct polls which was marred by allegations of irregularities and malpractices.

The allegations saw the party's Federal Territory chief Zaid Ibrahim pulling out of the contest for the deputy presidency over alleged voting irregularities.

Zaid has since announced that he would form a new party in January, next year.

"The damage is perceived, we are taking steps to correct it," she said.

On the demonstration by disgruntled party members before the congress began this morning, Wan Azizah said the complaints by the group was earlier referred to the disciplinary committee.

"It would take some time... witnesses need to be called to give statements and the due process must take place," she said.

protest outside pkr congress 271110 pkr guards About 100 people claiming to be PKR members staged a demonstration for about 45 minutes in front of the PJ Civic Centre where the PKR National Congress is being held.

The group, led by former Selangor PKR treasurer KS Kottapan, voiced its dissatisfaction over allegations of manipulation of the party elections.

Kottapan, who was a candidate for the post of Kota Raja PKR division chief, claimed that the party's central leadership council had ignored numerous protest letters on the alleged election fraud.

Status quo on Anwar’s post

On calls by Wanita PKR to fomally recognise the 'de facto' position for Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim, Wan Azizah explained that there was no such need at the moment.

pkr congress pc 271110 pakatan leaders "To formalise... it's just an exercise... no need to change it," she said.

On Friday, Wanita PKR had suggested that the party create a post for 'ketua umum' or de-facto leader as recognition for Anwar, who is also PKR adviser, so that the post would not be open for contest.

Its chief, Zuraida Kamarudin, said the post would only be given to Anwar, based on his role in the party's development, as the movement planned to table the motion today.

- Bernama