PKR must be more disciplined as a party, as it continues to strengthen its ideas for reform and change that has powered its struggle for the past 20 years, said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

“What I observed is lacking in Keadilan (PKR) is the struggle for idealism. Also lacking in the party: discipline. Organisational discipline,” he told The Malaysian Insight recently.

“Not that I’m an expert but when I made comparisons between Keadilan, PAS and Umno, or DAP, the issue of members and leadership discipline (in PKR) seems slightly disorganised.”

Amirudin was responding to allegations of cronyism and nepotism in the appointment of local councillors in the state.

On July 27, Selangor PKR Youth secretary Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman resigned after claiming that democracy was dead in the party.

His announcement was followed by the resignation of Sabak Bernam PKR Youth chief Abdul Mutalib Ahmad.

Two other grassroots leaders in Selangor echoed Syed Badli’s allegation that state government officers interfered in the selection of local councillors.

Amirudin, however, insisted that all selections were made fairly and democratically and that the candidates were chosen based on their capabilities, experience and problem-solving skills.

Amirudin told The Malaysian Insight members could criticise the party but there should be a limit to their allegations and  that knowing this limit that showed party discipline.

“If you want to make noise, you can. But there is a time and until what level? Issuing a statement every day to slander (people)? Breaking someone’s head, for example?

“(There should) be a limit… that is why there must be organisational discipline. And (PKR) needs a general that can restore the basics,” he said.

PKR vice-president Tian Chua accused Syed Badli of lacking party discipline, saying that he was merely angry at not being selected as a local councillor.

Syed Badli has denied the allegation. – August 6, 2018.