Here are two very important 'tests' that will be watched eagerly by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR).
The first test will be on the independence of the Registrar of Societies (ROS), which as a public service hitherto hasn't shown much of its independent neutrality:
Will the ROS, which is empowered under Section 9A (4) of the Societies Act to examine and consider the possibility of exempting or reducing the ban on Anwar Ibrahim from taking part in active politics (but not participating in elections), do so to permit him to become the president of PKR.
On Feb 11, PKR Selangor has agreed unanimously to nominate Anwar for the post of president at the party national congress scheduled in May. The post is currently held by his wife Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
ROS suggested that Anwar should take the first step of applying for the exemption or reduction, since it has not received any application from Anwar regarding the ban.
OK, PKR secretary-general Kamarul Baharin Abbas said the party will do so for Anwar.
ROS reminded everyone that it has no power over Anwar's participation in the election as that falls under election laws.
Because Anwar completed his first sentence on April 15, 2003 for his first conviction, elections laws prohibit him from returning to active politics until after April 2008.
Whether the UMNO-led government will spring an early general election prior to April 2008 is anybody’s guess.
The second test is one of honouring the trust that many people have placed on Anwar Ibrahim as their political leader, even political messiah:
This is by far the most important issue for PKR, because PKR and its precursor KeADILan started off as a single-issue party - the single issue being justice and freedom for Anwar Ibrahim. While the party may have evolved a little, the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim is fundamental and indeed vital to the party’s continuing survival as a meaningful political entity.
But does Anwar Ibrahim want to be the president of PKR?
I ask because I have the gut feeling he may have cosmonaut ambitions?
I reckon Anwar Ibrahim may just waiting to see what monkey tricks UMNO will be up to? Will UMNO ignore him, or will it even invite Anwar back to the fold to ‘neutralise’ him?
If UMNO doesn’t want him back, but won’t play dirty by advancing the 2008 general elections, then he may go for … 'nuff said, it's just crazy looney KTemoc speculating wildly.
Related:
Odyssey of Anwar Ibrahim?
yo KT,
ReplyDeletefinaly an opportunity arises on Raja Bodek, you have to add 'Sell-out' and 'Coward' to his attributes now. Enjoy!
"This is by far the most important issue for PKR, because PKR and its precursor KeADILan started off as a single-issue party - the single issue being justice and freedom for Anwar Ibrahim. While the party may have evolved a little, the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim is fundamental and indeed vital to the party’s continuing survival as a meaningful political entity."
ReplyDeletei agree but i think the party has since evolved and its manifesto pushes for civil society, democracy, press freedom, etc.
but why don't they commit themselves by expliciting saying that they will abolish the Printing Press Act and amend the UUCA to allow political activities in our local tertiary institutions?
too lazee to blog about him so comment here la ;D
a bit wishy washy there...they want media freedom...what does that mean..so ambiguous..extending the licence period to 5 years
if they are serious about combating corruption, IMHO empowering the media in its role as the fourth estate may be the best way.
gung xi gung xi~~~ :D
had makan with some bloggers on fri night -- desi, helen's all + hubby.
helen questioned anwar's core beliefs and his sincerity in abolishing the NEP. she felt that it was mainly a ploy to get the non-bumis to support him (not exactly revelational) and doubt if he has changed from his old self.
although i defended him by saying that 6 years in prison can change a person, we had problems with his consitency, or lack of. although he is trying his best now.
again, it's just a gut feel but they guy REEKS UMNOputra even more than KJ.
at the end of the day, he was DPM under Dr M + did all those things as education minister.
desi said that people change and we should give anwar a chance.
i said: "yes but he must be responsible for his actions. will he reverse all the damage that he has done?"
And is that even possible in his lifetime.
then on wiping out corruption, i asked desi if anwar will be able to stay clean and hang on to power.