PKR’s Anwar-Azmin power struggle deepens, threatening future of Malaysia’s ruling party
- Anwar Ibrahim is tipped to take over from Prime Minister Mahahthir Mohamed but a faction supports Azmin Ali
- PKR’s internal strife is distracting it from addressing voters’ concerns, such as the rising cost of living, observers say
A widening rift within the largest member in Malaysia’s ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition, which became exposed after rival leaders lashed out at each other during a key weekend meeting, has stoked concerns it would unsettle the administration and hurt its chances at the next general election.
The People’s Justice Party (PKR) is led by Anwar Ibrahim, 72, to whom Prime Minister Mahathir had vowed to hand over power after laying the groundwork for a new administration that began last May when the coalition unseated the previous Barisan Nasional government.
But Mahathir has since said he may need more time to repair the damage left by the scandal-tainted government of his predecessor, Najib Razak.
The uncertainty over succession has sparked rampant infighting and internal power jostling, spearheaded by two rival factions: supporters of Anwar, and those backing Azmin Ali, the PKR’s deputy president and current Economic Affairs Minister.
