PKR president Anwar Ibrahim today warned he will not tolerate or compromise over the goal of winning the coming Sarawak election.

His message is largely seen as being directed at some Sarawak PKR leaders and their grassroots supporters.

Without mentioning names, he said he will not accept infighting that will derail the party’s electoral goal.

Meanwhile, Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian and majority of branch leaders have boycotted the state convention in Miri today.

The convention was declared “cancelled” by the state leadership council, who is aligned with deputy president Mohamed Azmin Ali, but pushed ahead by Anwar supporters.

Speaking at the convention this morning, Anwar made light of the boycott, saying he will speak to Baru about it.

“No reason why I can’t talk to him. (After all) I appointed him.”

Earlier, political pundit Awang Azman Awang Pawi of Universiti Malaya said the state polls could be called after the Chinese New Year and before the fasting month next year.

Anwar laid down the rule on how the party will pick its candidates for the state election.

He said there must be a democratic process on how their candidates are picked.

“This is a democratic party. The decision must be through a democratic process.

“Sarawak decides but the decision must go through a democratic process through adequate participation of branch chiefs, branch members, youth and women wings, and the civil society groups.

“They must be given voice to submit their case and present their proposals.”

He said when Baru does call for a state leadership meeting to discuss the polls, all branch leaders must be invited.

“All branch leaders must attend so everyone can hear what their problems are.

“The council must hear all the problems.”

Anwar said the minutes of meetings should be in detail.

“I want all the proposals in writing. I also want to know the reasons for rejects the proposals.”

The recommendations of the state will be discussed by the party’s political bureau before final recommendations are made.

Anwar said while he respects the recommendations of the state leadership council, he wants “to make sure you decide in the interest of all”.

“Every branch should not feel they are discriminated against or marginalised.

“This is my assurance. When all that (problems) have been sorted, I will issue the ‘ticket’ (watikah).

“The ticket is the decision of the president.”

He said as long as he is still president, “it will be done this way”.

Anwar said what is important now is for party members to work hard.

“What is important to me is are they (Sarawak) ready?

“Have they prepared their strategy? Are they focussed on the state election?”

He said they should not talk about taking over when they are not ready to face the election. – November 23, 2019.