Dr Chandra Muzaffar's decision to step down as the deputy president of Keadilan is a "great loss" to the opposition but it will not stoke a leadership crisis, said an opposition leader today.

PRM secretary-general Dr Sanusi Osman said he was saddened by Chandra's decision as the opposition front still needs his service and intellectuality.

"Though we respect his decision, it is nonetheless a great loss to the opposition as he contributed a lot to the Barisan Alternatif," Sanusi told malaysiakini .

However, the veteran politician was confident that Chandra's departure will not create a split in Keadilan a main concern within the party that a vacuum in the leadership could lead to intense fighting among different factions for the post.

"I'm sure that their delegates will be rational and wise enough to choose the best leaders," he said.

Earlier today, Chandra confirmed that he will not seek a re-election in the party elections next month for the deputy president post which he has held since the party was set up in 1999.

Party elections are held every three years.

Bad timing

PRM president Dr Syed Husin Ali when contacted said the timing of Chandra's decision was "not good" but declined to comment on the stability of the BA.

Another veteran opposition leader, Lim Kit Siang said Chandra's decision will be a "great loss to domestic politics".

However, the DAP national chairperson told malaysiakini that he was certain that Chandra , a noted academic, will play a significant role in promoting the understanding between different religions and cultures in the international arena.

"The Sept 11 attacks in the United States have highlighted the importance to address seriously the congruence of different civilisations in the world today. Chandra can contribute a lot in that," he said.

Chandra is the founder and current president of the International Movement for a Just World. He is also the founder and former president of social movement Aliran. He was also a political science lecturer.

Potential leaders

Meanwhile, editor-in-chief of Keadilan's party organ Berita Keadilan , Khalid Jaafar, said there should not be much worry over the succession within the party.

He addedthat there are many other potential people who can take over the leadership, citing Internal Security Act-detained party Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Noor as an example.

It is widely believed that Keadilan top leaders needed Chandra to stay in his post until its merger with PRM materialises. This was to ensure that PRM leaders could take over the baton of leadership.

The merger is now on hold as Keadilan failed to obtain a two-third majority for its constitutional amendments at a special general meeting in June.

Asked whether Chandra's decision could disrupt Keadilan's initial plan of 'smooth succession', Khalid said, "Any political party has to cope with the changes around it."

There is an understanding between the two parties according to a mutually agreed "leadership formula" to absorb PRM leaders once the merger is completed, he added.

"Even if the merger could not be completed before Keadilan's elections, it does not mean that PRM leaders would have to wait for another three years," he said.