PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has promised to be stern with his detractors in the party.

“The message is very clear from this congress that I must be firmer with the detractors,” he said during the closing of the 14th PKR congress in Malacca today.

“I will definitely be sterner than before.”

The rift between Anwar and his deputy Mohamed Azmin Ali has dominated the congress where many delegates have called for the party to take action against Azmin and his faction.

Apart from the incidents that marred the youth congress, Azmin yesterday led his supporters on a walkout during the debates in the main congress.

Azmin and his supporters such as PKR vice-presidents Zuraida Kamaruddin and Ali Biju have decided not to show up at today’s closing, leaving only Chua Tian Chang to address the delegates.

“We cannot ignore the delegates’ views (who want firmer action). As leaders, we cannot bow to every demand but we have to listen.

“This is the first time that the delegates have made such a demand.”

Anwar said there is no plot to sack Azmin’s supporters Zakaria Abdul Hamid and Ismail Dulhadi.

A letter from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and disciplinary board’s proceedings had justified the duo’s removal.

“We cannot tolerate corruption because we have been fighting against this for 20 years.

“We can fight, have misunderstandings and walk out but I will not tolerate corruption.”

At a later press conference, Azmin said they walked out because Anwar had reneged on their temporary truce by allowing delegates to attack him during the debates.

Azmin said Anwar had “allowed” the attacks against him by making references to “Si Kitol” a legendary “traitor” in Malacca history. – December 8, 2019.