PENANG PKR grassroots members have accused the central leadership of making unilateral decisions on political appointments involving members in the state and are now demanding a meeting with party’s leaders.

They said the central leadership never consulted the party’s state leadership, calling the “interference” a violation of the party constitution.

They are pushing for a special meeting to discuss the matter, according to a petition signed by 100 PKR members, which was sighted by The Malaysian Insight.

The petition also demands that PKR rescind all political appointments made without discussing with the party’s state leadership.

Clause 29.1.d of PKR’s constitution empowers the state leadership to choose members to represent the party in state-level boards or organisations.

The clause also gives state leaders the power to decide on candidates for political appointments, unless the central leadership decides otherwise.

“That is why we demand a special meeting to discuss the matter within 14 days of the receipt of this petition, before the next step is taken,” said the petition.

A source said most of the state’s political appointments, like senators, local councillors and village security and development committee members, were decided by the central leadership without referring to the state.

“The latest is the appointment of Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as the Penang government’s strategy adviser,” said a source, who declined to be named.

“It was another unilateral decision.”

The source told The Malaysian Insight that the petition had been sent to party president Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and deputy president Azmin Ali on June 16, but there had been no reply.

“We sent a reminder to them on July 20 and asked for a special meeting to resolve the matter.

“Until now, our request has fallen on deaf ears. It just shows how Kuala Lumpur treats us.”

State PKR chief Mansor Othman could not be reached for comment, while party vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said the matter would be discussed at the central and state levels.

She said the party would ensure that political appointments in Penang and other states were done in an inclusive manner.

“I ask that the grassroots members be patient. As a democratic party, we will listen to their grouses.

“But, whatever decision we make, it will still be hard to please everyone.”

She also called for unity within the party in facing Barisan Nasional coalition in the next general election.

The Malaysian Insight had previously reported that PKR grassroots members were worried that an internal split would jeopardise the opposition’s chances in the next polls.

PKR is a component member in Pakatan Harapan, which also comprises DAP, Amanah and Bersatu.

In Selangor, PKR heads the opposition-controlled state government, and is a member of the DAP-led Penang administration. – August 2, 2017.