Removing Popular Zuraida Risky But Can Clip Azmin S Wings Say Analysts

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“Anwar needs to demonstrate that he is in full control of PKR and unfortunately Zuraida is the most significant but easiest target to inflict the biggest damage to Azmin.”
(FMT) – Zuraida Kamaruddin may not be seen as a rival to Anwar Ibrahim, but the PKR vice-president’s strong grassroots support has increasingly made her a target as the PKR boss’ faction eagerly waits for Dr Mahathir Mohamad to pass the prime ministerial baton.
Party insiders whom FMT spoke to said Zuraida’s public backing for Mohamed Azmin Ali in his protracted rivalry with Anwar has been a cause for worry, as she could sway popular support for the PKR deputy president.
They said this is also why there have been calls for her sacking from branch leaders aligned to Anwar.
“In fact, Zuraida, has more grassroots support than Azmin. She is also popular among her constituents,” said an observer.
He said the pro-Anwar faction in PKR realises this, and as such has been applying pressure on the disciplinary committee to remove Zuraida.
“Zuraida is the buffer,” said the insider again. “Remove her and you can bring down Azmin easily,” he added.
A political analyst echoes a similar view, although he believes both Azmin and Zuraida depend on each other for their political survival.
“Azmin needs Zuraida and vice versa,” said Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Azmi Hassan.
“There’s no doubt that Zuraida is key to Azmin’s survival in the face of the political onslaught he is facing in PKR.”
He agrees that Zuraida’s removal would put Azmin in the firing line.
“Azmin’s strength will be significantly reduced, naturally, he too might leave and this will reduce PKR’s clout in Pakatan Harapan,” Azmi said.
Zuraida has been summoned to PKR’s disciplinary committee, which has demanded her to explain comments she made during an event she attended with Azmin on the heels of the party’s congress last month.
At least 10 state PKR chiefs have demanded her sacking, for purportedly insulting the party and skipping 13 central leadership council meetings.
But Azmi said the attacks on Zuraida, were in fact a message to Azmin: insubordination will not be tolerated.
“Anwar needs to demonstrate that he is in full control of PKR and unfortunately Zuraida is the most significant but easiest target to inflict the biggest damage to Azmin.”
He said Anwar realised this, and could stop short of sacking Zuraida, which could weaken PKR further.
This, ultimately, could affect his prime ministerial ambition.
He said Anwar made several miscalculations.
“Anwar had the opportunity to consolidate and make peace with Azmin during the PKR National Congress in December but that platform was used to demonise Azmin and his allies and now they are at a point of no return.”
Universiti Malaya’s Awang Azman Awang Pawi said any move to sack Zuraida would be disastrous to Azmin.
“Her absence from PKR will be bad for Azmin’s political future and if she was sacked, it will be seen as an attack on Azmin.”
But Awang Azman warned that Anwar is also not to be under-estmated, and has proved himself a political survivor.
“I think he will be able to consolidate his power in the party and at the same time act against those in the party who are openly questioning his authority.”

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