PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today said only a small faction is creating the perception that there is dysfunction in his party.

Speaking at the Federal Territories PKR convention today, Anwar said the actions of this group should not be used to tar the entire party.

He said he didn’t want this negative perception to detract members from carrying out the reform agenda for the people.

“What’s the problem? (A total of) 90% are with the party and leadership. What’s the problem?

“Ladies and gentlemen, this 90% upholds the sacred will of the people.”

Anwar said experts have analysed Malaysia’s economy and found that the wealth gap in the country was wide.

He said the gap was not just between Malays and non-Malays, but was widening within ethnic groups, too.

Anwar said it was this widening gap that must be tackled by the party so that the government’s agenda could succeed.

“It’s common not to get 100% support. You are branch leader? Even you don’t get 100% support, like me, the party president.”

The Federal Territories is the fourth jurisdiction to have its annual convention after Penang, Johor and Sabah.

In a remark apparently directed at the “small faction” in PKR, Anwar said they had their positions because of the party.

“Try contesting (in an election) as an independent. Even I would not be certain of winning if I contested as an independent.

“We win because of PKR’s ticket. You become a candidate because of the party. You become well-known in the country because of the party.”

Anwar reminded those who had positions not to practise nepotism and cronyism.

“Don’t forget. Don’t give out posts to ‘your people’ once you gain power.

“My people are all PKR members. If this spirit is present, we will be strong.”

Anwar later told reporters that the advice not to give posts to “your people” was reminder for all, including himself.

“In tough times, member support. So, when I lead, I have to think about the whole party machinery and members.”

Anwar said he raised the issue because the party grassroots were concerned about it, including the channelling of government funds to parties now in power.

He said the allocation of funds must be done transparently and not like what was practised by Barisan Nasional.

On claims that some PKR leaders and members were boycotting the state conventions, Anwar said all party branches had attended the meetings so far.

“There were two or three (leaders) who didn’t attend, but in a party, what is important is the machinery and not one or two leaders.” – November 2, 2019.