Anwar admits missteps in PKR No 2 race, vows renewed focus on party

Summary

• Anwar Ibrahim acknowledges missteps by both Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar during the PKR deputy presidency race, urging unity and forgiveness within the party.

• He also apologises for neglecting party affairs since becoming prime minister and pledges to dedicate one day a week from June to strengthen PKR ahead of upcoming election.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has acknowledged that both Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar made missteps during their campaign for the party’s deputy presidency, urging party members to look past the episode.

“I see that both parties have overstepped at times, so let us not punish each other. As a father figure, I offer advice to everyone.

“What matters is that we remain united. If we’ve been friends for decades, endured struggles and hardship together for years, surely we can forgive what we deem as minor mistakes.

“As for me, sincerely, I forgive everyone,” Anwar said in his speech at the official opening of the PKR national congress in Johor Bahru tonight.

The PKR president said the party must continue to build its strength collectively, stressing that it has yet to fulfil all its ideals and aspirations.

“We can only claim to be a true reformist party when we speak out firmly on governance and anti-corruption,” he said.

Anwar, who is also the prime minister, said he accepted criticisms directed at him, even though he did not respond to all the issues raised by those contesting in the party election.

“This includes (criticisms) from Rafizi, Nurul Izzah, (Selangor Menteri Besar) Amirudin Shari and other leaders. I may feel a little affected, but I take it positively because these criticisms are meant to remind us about the party’s principles - and that is not wrong,” he said.

‘Apology for neglecting party affairs’

Anwar also offered an open apology to party members and the machinery, admitting he had not given enough attention to strengthening PKR internally since becoming prime minister nearly three years ago.

“I must apologise. Over the course of nearly three years as prime minister, I have paid the least attention to the party’s integrity,” he said.

While conceding that this may not have been the right decision, Anwar explained it was due to the heavy responsibility of rebuilding a nation facing economic and social challenges.

“Was this the right decision? No. I was burdened with new responsibilities, and I want this country to rise again as a great nation.

“I have high aspirations, even at this late stage in life, to make Malaysia a great country,” he added.

According to the Tambun MP, his full focus on national affairs led him to neglect the party’s internal consolidation, something he now intends to rectify.

Beginning June, Anwar said he will commit one day a week specifically to strengthen and reorganise the party.

“So I apologise to the party machinery. Starting June, I will divide my time between government duties and party matters, and I will set aside one specific day a week to build up the party’s strength,” he said.

He added that this step was crucial to strengthen the ruling party’s internal position ahead of upcoming political challenges, including the Sabah state election and the next general election.

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