Zaid unfazed by Azmin's 'shock and awe'
PKR deputy president's post contender Zaid Ibrahim today took a swipe at Azmin Ali for the apparent “outlandish” manner in which his opponent announced his candidacy.
"
He did it in style," he quipped on the sidelines of the UCSI University National Congress on Integrity in Kuala Lumpur today.
Azmin (left) announced his candidacy at the Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu this morning, flanked by a sizeable number of top PKR leaders.
Asked for his reaction, Zaid sarcastically said, "It's an awesome display. Very frightening."
"
He did it in style," he quipped on the sidelines of the UCSI University National Congress on Integrity in Kuala Lumpur today.Azmin (left) announced his candidacy at the Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu this morning, flanked by a sizeable number of top PKR leaders.
Asked for his reaction, Zaid sarcastically said, "It's an awesome display. Very frightening."
Commenting on this, Zaid, who is PKR Supreme Council member, said the tactic of flexing muscle would cause strains within the party.
"If we keep showing that we are strong, show off our gang, it would be difficult (to close ranks later).
"That's why I didn't bring 20 people to accompany me when I made my announcement (to contest)...I too have parliamentarians behind me but I don't show it
"The nominations have not even been announced. There is a lot of time, we should campaign slowly," he said.
Smear campaign
Although no name was mentioned, all eyes were on Azmin when Zaid claimed that a smear campaign against him was under way.
Asked about this today, the seasoned politician said that he would not lodge a formal complaint on this with the PKR election committee.
"If we lodge complaints, it'll create tension," he conceded.
He added that he would not do so, unless matters became worse.
Last week, Zaid confirmed with Malaysiakini that he had lodged a police report about claims that a blogger was offered money to write disparaging posts about him.
He said he had taken this drastic step to avoid being framed by his detractors, particularly on allegations of money politics.
"If we keep showing that we are strong, show off our gang, it would be difficult (to close ranks later).
"That's why I didn't bring 20 people to accompany me when I made my announcement (to contest)...I too have parliamentarians behind me but I don't show it
"The nominations have not even been announced. There is a lot of time, we should campaign slowly," he said.
Smear campaign
Although no name was mentioned, all eyes were on Azmin when Zaid claimed that a smear campaign against him was under way.
Asked about this today, the seasoned politician said that he would not lodge a formal complaint on this with the PKR election committee."If we lodge complaints, it'll create tension," he conceded.
He added that he would not do so, unless matters became worse.
Last week, Zaid confirmed with Malaysiakini that he had lodged a police report about claims that a blogger was offered money to write disparaging posts about him.
He said he had taken this drastic step to avoid being framed by his detractors, particularly on allegations of money politics.
Disappointed with Anwar
Zaid also felt let down over de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's decision to not contest, saying that it is "not healthy" as political parties "must have certain office bearers".
"I am disappointed. I thought he should contest the president post because de facto leader is not a recognised position in a political party constitution" he said.
Zaid's opinion favouring Anwar for president echoes the stand of the Majlis Muafakat Kepimpinan Keadilan Selangor (Selangor Keadilan Leadership Consensus Council) who backs Anwar for the post and wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as number two.
But the Pakatan Rakyat coordinator said that one should not be too swayed over what certain groups say as there are divergent opinions in the party.
"There are even people who want me to be president, it depends on who you talk to," he said jokingly.
"I am disappointed. I thought he should contest the president post because de facto leader is not a recognised position in a political party constitution" he said.
Zaid's opinion favouring Anwar for president echoes the stand of the Majlis Muafakat Kepimpinan Keadilan Selangor (Selangor Keadilan Leadership Consensus Council) who backs Anwar for the post and wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail as number two.
But the Pakatan Rakyat coordinator said that one should not be too swayed over what certain groups say as there are divergent opinions in the party.
"There are even people who want me to be president, it depends on who you talk to," he said jokingly.
PKR's 218 divisions will hold two separate meetings - the first to elect divisional leaders beginning this weekend, and a second meeting to vote for 26 supreme council members as well as president, deputy president and four vice-presidents.
The divisions will vote for top national leaders over four weekends from Oct 29 to Nov 21.
Malaysiakini
No comments:
Post a Comment