THERE is no intention to sack Mohamed Azmin Ali as PKR deputy president, said president Anwar Ibrahim, despite calls from delegates during the party’s congress debates over the weekend.

Anwar said none of the party leaders have agreed or responded to the matter while he is open to discussions with Azmin.

“There is no cause for it (sacking). It is only voiced by the delegates but no leaders responded or agreed.

“I have no problem discussing (issues) but the party has to stay strong and united.

“We won’t tolerate those who are considered deviant from the party’s discipline,” he said to reporters after the closing of the PKR congress in Ayer Keroh, Malacca today.

Anwar said the delegates and speakers have expressed their desires for unity among party leaders.

“Delegates have expressed their views and the sentiments are strong, that they want the party to be united and more disciplined.

“This message will be conveyed to all party leaders in their meetings.

“But we have to understand their sentiments too, they need to hear us but we also need to hear them.”

He added he has forgiven leaders from Azmin’s faction, who left the assembly yesterday.

“I’m one to forgive, but this is not my personal issue. I have to hear sentiments and voices, then answer them. So, there must be some space given.”

He said the walkout did not affect the congress as more than 80% of delegates attended the winding-up event today.

“Today, 80% of the delegates are present, not observers but delegates. This is great for me.”

Leaders from Azmin’s camp except for Chua Tian Chang did not attend the winding-up session today after the dissatisfaction with yesterday’s speech addressing the issue of treason within the party.

They include women’s chief Haniza Talha and her deputy Daroyah Ali.

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 to address the delegates.

Azmin said they walked out because Anwar had reneged on their temporary truce by allowing delegates to attack him during the debates.

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