GE14 | PKR's Permatang Pauh candidate Nurul Izzah Anwar said she felt saddened by former party members who chose to sabotage her campaign and those of her colleagues as they enter the 10th day, with 48 hours left to the polling day. 

However, she said she was heartened by the response from members who remained steadfast and loyal to the party.

"Most members know that in any coalition, movement or elections, some would be dropped or replaced, and others accepted. Many sacrifices need to be made," she said in a press conference at Yayasan Aman, Penanti.

"What is most important is that we try to remain relevant in the party, and fight for the bigger cause, not just for our own personal interest."

Nurul Izzah felt encouraged by the presence of many youths, close to 1,000 who attended the party's programme at Permata apartments in Bandar Perda, an Umno stronghold.

She was responding to questions on members, reportedly about 200, who quit the party yesterday, citing dissatisfaction with the leadership of state PKR chief Mansor Othman.

Mansor is defending his Nibong Tebal parliamentary seat and has kept mum on the claims hurled by those members. 

Last week, state PKR Youth chief Asrol Sani Abdul Razak resigned, with about 70 members, citing disillusionment with PKR's leadership. 

Seberang Jaya candidate Dr Afif Bahardin said such episodes - of members quitting or defecting - usually happen during polls as "this is the season for such things". 

He said the impact of these incidences is "minimal" on PKR's campaign.

Showing photos on the internet on the press conference held by the quitting members yesterday, Afif asked: "Was there really 200? I can only see 20.

"Our machinery is on the ground and we are doing the best we can, the response from people, even those who are PAS members, are good, as most want to vote based on the country's future, not the party," he added.

Penanti candidate Norlela Ariffin appealed to friends and members who felt betrayed, or feel disappointed by the current situation in the party not to feel discouraged. 

"We must engage them and address their issues after the campaign is over".