No Boycott But Akmal Has To Step Up His Game Says Afif

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Former PKR deputy Youth chief Dr Afif Bahardin has dismissed claims that he was trying to engineer a boycott against new party youth chief Akmal Nasir
Afif said he does not have the power to initiate such a move as he merely held the post of Permatang Pauh division chief
"I cannot call for such move because I don't have any power or position to do that. I’m just an ordinary member and a mere deputy division head of Permatang Pauh," Afif told Malaysiakini.However, Afif said the task to bring everyone together was Akmal’s responsibility and this was the challenge he would face as Youth chief
Afif still attends division meetings and last week he met with Penang youth members to assure them of his continuous support for the wing
"As I carry out my duty as state executive councillor in Penang, I have engagements with party members, especially the youth wing, to look into programmes under my office to be implemented for youths," he added
Afif was denying a report in The Malaysian Insight today headlined "Azmin-Rafizi feud continues to dog PKR Youth", which claimed that some of his supporters refused to cooperate with the state youth leadership
The news portal quoted a source as saying “they want to protest (against Akmal’s win) and can’t accept Afif’s defeat
"Afif’s team has also created a separate movement and is active on social media to carry out its activities and plans"
The news portal was referring to the ongoing conflict which first started between Azmin Ali and Rafizi Ramli during the party's chaotic internal polls last year
In the contest for the youth post, Akmal defeated Afif by 47 votes. Afif is seen as a close ally of Azmin, while Akmal is identified with the Rafizi's camp
Asked about the purportedly poor support for Akmal, Afif said based on his engagement with youth leaders, some have expressed their grouses with the new chief
"I hear claims that Akmal only appoints his close allies who do not have the support of the grassroots leadership at state level," he said
"Akmal ignores the wishes of the majority of the members and refuses to discuss matters with the national committee, which has been elected by the majority of the grassroots, especially when my team won 80 percent of the posts in the youth wing," Afif said." Afif said
"I accept the results of the polls for the sake of the party image, but Akmal has to really step up as a leader and be able to work with all quarters and accepts criticism; that is the true spirit of reformasi and democracy," he said
Meanwhile, Akmal (photo) said members have to comply with the rules and requirements in the party's constitution, while the party structures must be respected by all
He said youth leaders have to work together to fight for youths to ensure they have access to education, more job opportunities, and a better future
"For a handful of members who don't wish to go forward but continue to fight over posts and positions, be aware that the people are fed up with this internal party polemic," he told Malaysiakini
"Don't be arrogant, bigots or go after personal interests; instead we need to be sincere with the reformasi struggle," he added
"I am confident that many youth members at the grassroots are keen to serve the community especially the youths," he said
In an immediate response, Afif claimed when grassroots leaders complained about Akmal, he told them to focus on their core business as a youth political movement
He reminded them to work as a team and re-focus on the youths and the people
"That’s why my campaign and messages always focus on teamwork and building consensus, as can be seen in the party election results - either you win alone, or the team wins
"It is easy to preach, but in practice, that is the challenge that Akmal has not fulfilled since he was elected as youth chief," Afif said
"To be a leader, it is crucial for him to be able to listen and try to build consensus, and not just bulldoze his wishes alone," Afif added. - Mkini

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