Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim Attends Meeting to Resolve PKR Sabah Leadership Crisis

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim participated in a special PKR Sabah leadership meeting in Kota Kinabalu on Thursday to address a state leadership crisis between the current chairman, Datuk Sangkar Rasam, and 15 branch chiefs led by Kota Marudu chief Sazalye Donol Abdullah. Anwar, who is also the PKR party president, said that more than 10 names have been submitted for the party's top post in Sabah, and the party's central leadership will decide on who will lead the Sabah chapter soon.

The crisis involves the current PKR Sabah chairman, Datuk Sangkar Rasam, and 15 branch chiefs led by Kota Marudu chief Sazalye Donol Abdullah, who have demanded Rasam's resignation. The dissatisfaction with Sangkar's leadership began about a year after his appointment in 2022, with the disgruntled leaders citing his failure to conduct critical party-building activities.

Anwar stated that the party leadership always consults division chiefs and considers their views before making a decision. "The party's central leadership council will discuss the issue as early as the next day, and several names have been proposed as alternative candidates for the state liaison chief position," Anwar said. He added that he will negotiate with the division chiefs and announce the decision in the near future.

Why this matters: The PKR Sabah leadership crisis highlights the ongoing challenges and power struggles within political parties in Malaysia. The resolution of this dispute will be essential for PKR's unity and effectiveness in Sabah, as well as its ability to support the federal government led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

This is not the first time the Sabah PKR chapter has faced a leadership crisis, as the previous chairman, Datuk Christina Liew, also faced similar protests from divisional leaders before being replaced in the 2022 party elections. After the meeting, Anwar is scheduled to meet with Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and pay his last respects to the late PBRS founder Tan Sri Joseph Kurup. The Prime Minister is also expected to attend the state Aidilfitri celebrations at the Sabah International Convention Centre.

Key Takeaways

• PM Anwar attended PKR Sabah meeting to address leadership crisis
• Current chairman Rasam faces challenge from 15 branch chiefs
• Party central leadership to decide on new Sabah state chief
• This is not the first leadership crisis in Sabah PKR chapter
• PM to meet Sabah CM, attend Aidilfitri celebrations after meeting