PKR Youth acting head Shamsul Iskandar has denied allegations that party advisor Anwar Ibrahim was interfering with the election process of youth wing leaders.

"The issue of Anwar interfering with the wing does not arise. We are an independent entity. Any views expressed by Anwar would be a guidelines for the youth wing," Shamsul told a press conference after his policy speech at the PKR congress in Seremban today.

The youth leader was asked to comment on the allegations made by the youth wing's secretary general SD Johari. The latter has since withdrawn from the contest for youth vice-head in protest despite garnering the highest number of nominations for the post.

Johari claimed that Anwar had instructed Shamsul to 'make sure' he loses the contest. He also claimed that he was victimised because of his strong ties with former PKR Youth head Ezam Mohd Noor.

Shamsul said he respected the opinions expressed by Johari but regretted that it was not made privately.

He also ruled out any possibility of disciplinary action being meted on Johari.

"There has been no suggestion for disciplinary action (on him) and he has not breached party discipline," added Shamsul.

Push for interfaith dialogues

In his speech, Shamsul also spoke on the need for PKR as a multi-racial party to be at the forefront of bridging cultural and religious divide.

PKR Youth exco member Lathifa Koya added that the wing would push and support interfaith dialogues in order to strengthen understanding among different religious groups.

"As a multi-cultural party, we are the most eligible body to initiate such efforts and we would start from the youth wing," she said.

In a separate press conference, outgoing Women wing chief Fuziah Salleh explained that she was stepping down as the wing leader as it was now a stable entity and to make room for new leaders to emerge.

"Otherwise we would become like Umno. Once they get elected, they just stay there," said Fuziah, who is now vying for one of the three elected vice-president posts.

She said she is offering herself for the post to bring a more feminine perspective to the party leadership.