DE facto PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim is open to the party holding a special congress to discuss cooperation with PAS ahead of the 14th general election but questions its need.

The jailed PKR adviser said the special congress will not change party policy and a decision must be made quickly.

“Personally, in the spirit of (PKR) democracy, I do not mind if they want to have a special congress. However, my concern is why the need if there are no policy changes. 

“The elections are going to being held in the near future and all decisions need to be concluded soon,” said Anwar in a statement today.

Instead party members should give space to party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and other leaders to “explain and determine further the policies and directions” in line with PKR’s stand and agreement made in Pakatan Harapan.

Anwar added that all steps must be taken according to party channels.

PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli said a special congress should be formed immediately by PKR to resolve once and for all the relationship between PAS and the Selangor government.

He said the differences over the matter (of whether to cooperate with PAS to maintain control of Selangor) have split the party and caused confusion among the grassroots.

The call was supported by a few PKR grassroots members who are also part of the PH action committee, which sought to gather support from one-third of the party branches to force the secretary-general to hold the special congress.

PKR reached an agreement with other parties in the coalition to close the door on any cooperation with PAS and instead focus on preparing for the possibility of three-cornered fights at GE14. – September 2, 2017.