PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali today warned that feudalism was creeping into the party and this had given rise to leaders who were unwilling to accept criticism.

"Among some followers, they fear to criticise, what else to oppose their leaders, although they may be on the side of truth. They mistakenly regard that their role is merely to follow," he said at the opening of the fourth PKR Youth and Women wings congress in Seremban today.

Syed Husin said attitudes and actions arising from traditional feudal society could manifest in authoritarian leaders who would make decisions and take actions without consultation.

"These leaders may be surrounded by a few yes-men who are close to them, who feed them with stories and views that they think the leaders want to hear. Mistakes are swept under the carpet and not discussed openly," he added.

"The feudal and authoritarian mind is widespread within Umno and its allies. But although it has infected our party, the problem is not yet serious."

Syed Husin hoped the competing groups would close ranks after the PKR polls and concentrate on strengthening the party.

"During the campaign, I noticed the emergence of a number of groups, teams and cliques, each with its team list. There were also attempts to obstruct and complain against one another," he said.

The call for groups to close ranks was top priority for the deputy president as it headed the list of items of his 11-page speech.

Ethical manner

Over the past two weeks, several party leaders have alleged interference by party leaders in the elections at both the national and youth wing level.

SD Johari who was initially contesting for the Youth wing vice-presidency withdrew from the race despite having the highest number of nominations for the post.

Businessman KS Nallakarupan who had wanted to go for the vice-presidency also withdrew despite having the second highest nominations for the post.

Several others aligned to the duo also withdrew from contesting various posts in support for their actions.

Syed Husin also expressed concern that the trend would cause cracks within the party, but believed that the party should encourage competition as long that dissent was carried out in a democratic and ethical manner.

"(I would like to) remind that those who have won should be inclusive, to give space to those who wish to continue serving the party.

"As for those who have lost, please give your cooperation and support to the new leadership," he added.

Except for the deputy presidency, other major posts are expected to see heated contests including the presidency. The youth and women wing chief positions are also up for grabs.

Admit our own mistakes

Syed Husin added that he observed various shortcomings in the organisation of youth divisional meetings and elections. He called for such problems to be resolved soon and spats between various groups avoided.

"We often talk about external factors that affect adversely our condition. Let us now look at ourselves as well. We must identify and admit our own mistakes," he added.

In a related matter, Syed Husin said it was 'disheartening' that a minority of party members were under the impression that they could always expect money from the party.

"They think that the central leadership has bagfuls of cash, and so they do not consider it important to raise their own funds. We are fortunate that this occurs only among a minority.

"The materialistic mind often appears during elections. Some campaign work cannot be done because there are those, even leaders, who insist on payment. They seem to have lost their voluntary spirit.

"They forget that this is keadilan , with all its limitations, and not Umno," said Syed Husin.