updated version

Keadilan delegates today voted by an almost two-thirds majority to agree to its merger with coalition partner PRM.

A total of 172 delegates, or 63.7 percent, voted in support of the first of three resolutions at the special annual general meeting with 98 opposing.

They also agreed by 169 to 100 votes, or 62.6 percent, pn a resolution to give the Keadilan "supreme council the mandate to implement all necessary steps in ensuring the success of the merger".

However, the third resolution "to accept and agree to constitutional changes that will arise from the merger", which requires a two-thirds majority decision, only 168 delegates, or 62.2 percent, approved the motion with 101 opposing in the secret ballot.

The failure to secure a two-thirds majority for this resolution is due to delegates' reluctance to change the name of the party from Parti Keadilan Nasional to Parti Keadilan Rakyat Nasional.

Delegates also preferred to maintain the colour of their flag, which is turquoise blue. The resolution, which was proposed by the party's supreme council, was supposed to call for the two red stripes to be added to the borders of the flag, symbolising PRM's presence in the party.

The delegates also backed the 17-point 'manifesto' agreed to by representatives of the two parties.

The manifesto for the new party includes, among others, the struggle for a just and democratic country, upholding the constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy, championing for an independent media and judiciary and freedom of speech, assembly and association, the recognition that Islam is the official religion while respecting the freedom of worship of other religions and that Bahasa Melayu is the official language of the country while respecting the mother tongues of other minority groups.

Democratic process

At a press conference held after the results were announced, party leader Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail welcomed the decisions.

"I feel very glad. The democratic process has been performed. We have debated in a healthy atmosphere and the decision has closed our ranks," she said.

"This will be a threat to Barisan Nasional as Keadilan will be bigger party now,"she added.

As to the failure in getting a two-thirds majority on the second resolution, Wan Azizah said, "It is merely a technical matter and will not be a hindrance to the merger process. The most important thing is that we've been given the mandate to proceed".

She added, "Sentiments were expressed and the differences can be resolved through discussion and debate."

Keadilan vice-president Dr Chandra Muzaffar who was present at the press conference said, "The results were expected as Keadilan is a new party."

"Keadilan is born out of a struggle and there is definitely a deep attachment to the party's name and symbol. This is understandable," he added.

However, Chandra told reporters that Keadilan's supreme council would have to consult PRM before the latter's national congress convenes on July 15.

'This may be something they may want to bring to their delegates," he said, adding that the two parties have yet to decide on a fresh round of negotiations.

Update on Anwar's condition

Meanwhile, on a separate issue, Wan Azizah said she had been invited by the highly respected Islamic Society of North America (Isna), to speak at their conference on June 30. She was also asked to update them on how her husband, jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, is faring.

Last year, Isna withdrew an invitation to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to speak at their conference, citing human rights violations in Malaysia.

Anwar was hospitalised for six months since last November for acute back pain due to a slipped disc. He is serving a 15-year jail term for sodomy and abuse of power.

He has rejected the government's offer of a local surgery, opting for a "less risky" endoscopic spinal operation at a specialist clinic in Munich, Germany.

However, his request was turned down by the authorities.