The internal problems plaguing PKR is an opportunity for the ruling BN coalition to crush the opposition party in the next general election, said Deputy Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin.

With the multitude of problems in the party caused by its de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim, Khairy said people were also losing faith in the direction of the party.

According to a New Straits Times report today, Kahiry attributed the departure of many strong supporters of Anwar to the latter's concern for his own interests, rather than those of the party and supporters.

In the latest report of members leaving PKR, the Star said yesterday that 300 members in Kuala Langat left the party two days ago.

It also claimed that Anwar had sent emissaries to ask former youth chief Ezam Mohd Nor to "stop pulling" more people out of PKR.

The mass departure was the latest development in the series of resignation by party leaders who were aligned with former Ezam who resigned from the party late last month. A week later, half of the committee members in the Shah Alam PKR division that he had led also resigned.

Ezam told malaysiakini that he left the party because he had lost faith in the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, who is also his mentor.

Similar problems in PAS

Commenting on Anwar's leadership, Khairy told the NST, "Anwar is simply incapable of promoting unity in any organisation that he has been in. He nearly caused a split in Umno and is doing the same thing in PKR."

On the other hand, Khairy Jamaluddin said PAS was also facing internal problems.

He said there was tension in the party due to members who felt uncomfortable with young professionals in the party, citing the case of Husam Musa who is said to be enjoying too much power given to him by PAS spiritual adviser and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz.

"Kelantan seems to have a second menteri besar and that is Husam. Nik Aziz just keeps mum and allows Husam to answer many controversial issues like the deforestation of Lojing Highlands and the mismanagement of Syarikat Air Kelantan.

"Husam is becoming all powerful, even stronger than the deputy menteri besar," Khariy caimed.