Sabah PKR: Stand by Anwar, don't wantonly issue statements

Sabah PKR chief Datuk Christina Liew today called on party leaders not to wantonly issue statements on the crisis facing the party, but instead stand by party president Anwar Ibrahim to resolve it.

Liew, who is also Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, said in a statement today that the party is in power in the country, along with its coalition partners in Pakatan Harapan, and all focus should be on pursuing the New Malaysia reform agenda.

"Sabah PKR stands solidly behind Anwar in his efforts to bring back party solidarity," said Liew.

"Furthermore the people are counting on Harapan and PKR to focus on development issues and economic growth and not “internal bickering”, she said.

PKR has been divided for years between those aligned to Anwar and deputy president Azmin Ali, but the situation exacerbated over the past month following the circulation of a sex video implicating the latter.

Speculation has been rife that the video is related to the tussle over the prime minister's post following claims that premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad preferred Azmin to succeed him, despite an earlier agreement that Anwar would take over the reins.

Azmin, who is also economic affairs minister, is convinced that those responsible for the video are from within PKR. The situation reached a boiling point after Anwar said Azmin should resign if it was proven to be him in the video.

Following police findings on the video, Anwar softened his stance and urged party members to set aside their differences and focus on strengthening the Harapan government.

- Bernama