Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Pawi and Chin Yee Mun of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (Utar) said keeping both Anwar and his deputy, Rafizi Ramli, in their respective party posts would prevent division within the party.
They added that allowing contests for the top two posts at the PKR central leadership election on May 24 could have implications on the unity government and even the next general election.
“PKR is a key party in the unity government. Stability in terms of its leadership is crucial to ensure the party remains focused rather than distracted by internal power struggles that could weaken it,” Awang Azman told FMT.
He added any semblance of instability or uncertainty within the unity government is bound to be exploited by Perikatan Nasional for political capital.
Chin agreed, saying it would not be wise to allow anyone to rock PKR’s boat at this juncture, as doing so could cause ripple effects throughout the federal administration.
“This will not only affect PKR. The unity government will also be affected if Rafizi challenges Anwar (for the PKR presidency, for example).
“Normally, such conflicts will not be resolved even after the party election but will still linger on,” said Chin, director of Utar’s Tun Tan Cheng Lock Institute of Social Studies.
He said factions within PKR would naturally exist although they may not be readily apparent since there is presently no challenge for the party’s top post.
On Saturday, Anwar’s senior political secretary Shamsul Iskandar Akin said discussions were being held so that the PKR president’s and deputy president’s posts would not be contested at party elections in May.
Former PKR Youth vice-chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman criticised the proposal, saying open contests for the top posts were necessary to uphold democracy.
However, Shamsul disagreed, saying negotiations in the lead-up to party polls were also part of the democratic process.
Awang Azman and Chin expect PKR grassroots to be in favour of retaining Anwar as their president since no other party leader can match the prime minister’s qualities.
“The grassroots sentiment within PKR favours retaining their president, believing this is the best course of action as there is no other leader with Anwar’s experience and influence,” said Chin.
Awang Azman acknowledged that healthy competition is necessary to keep a political party vibrant and responsive to the people’s changing needs, but said there was a balance to be struck.
“In the context of party and government stability, there are situations where maintaining existing leadership is more beneficial. The key challenge is striking a balance between stability and political openness.”