PR will remain strong despite absence of Nik Aziz, Anwar - Azmin

The recent death of Pas spiritual leader, Allahyarham Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat and the imprisonment of opposition leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will not put a dent on the solid cooperation between the parties within Pakatan Rakyat (PR), said PKR deputy president, Mohamed Azmin Ali.

Azmin said, he believes the line-up within the coalition are able to continue with the political struggles of the two leaders.

While acknowledging the absence of Allahyarham Nik Abdul Aziz and Anwar will present a challenge to Pakatan Rakyat, Azmin, who is also Selangor menteri besar, said their struggles must continue.

“February is indeed a sad month for Pakatan Rakyat because we have lost two prominent figures but our struggles must continue.

“I believe that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Tok Guru Nik Aziz had already left a strong foundation within Pakatan Rakyat,” Azmin told reporters after the Selangor 2015 Chinese New Year road safety campaign at the Batu Tiga toll plaza here.

Azmin added he was also confident the current leadership is credible enough to steer the party into the right direction.

“What had happened to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the death of Tok Guru Nik Aziz will only serve to strengthen our spirit in continuing Pakatan Rakyat’s struggles. We cannot simply be sad all the time and not do anything.

“These two leaders had shown us the way and left us with a strong foundation. It is therefore our responsibility to inherit their leadership,” Azmin said.

Anwar had been stripped off his post as Permatang Pauh MP after he was found guilty by the Federal Court and sentenced to five years in prison.

However he is still regarded as the opposition leader and PKR de facto leader and there is no talk on his replacement.

The Chempaka state seat meanwhile became vacant following the death of its assemblyman, Allahyarham Nik Abdul Aziz after a long battle with prostate cancer.

Asked on the call by several PKR members to appoint former premier, Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as Anwar’s successor, Azmin said it was merely a personal opinion.

“That is the personal opinion of members. Our strength in Pakatan Rakyat is that we act based on consensus.

“We believe that we have a pool of competent leaders to lead the Pakatan Rakyat coalition,” he said.