Despite suffering setbacks, Anwar still the most able to lead PKR, says pundits

SHAH ALAM - There is no viable candidate that shares the same quality as opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in PKR.

Senior fellow at Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research Political analyst Dr Azmi Hassan said for time being, no one is capable of challenging Anwar for the party's top post.

"The closest one that can replace him might be the deputy president either Rafizi Ramli or Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

"We will know who will lead PKR after Anwar, once they elect their deputy president. Only then we can predict the direction of PKR in the future," he said to Sinar Daily.

Azmi also added that Anwar Ibrahim can definitely lead the party as no one else in PKR and even in PH to lead both the party and the opposition.

"Yes, there are heavyweights because Anwar's time is short and the deputy president will take over his post very soon, most probably before or after General Election."

"That's the reason why heavyweights are gunning for the vice president post." Azmi said.

Meanwhile Political Analyst Professor Datuk Dr Shamsul Amri Baharuddin commented that if Anwar Ibrahim or PKR do not perform in the next election, then Anwar will eventually have to step down.

"Despite the fact that PKR was not good in Melaka and Johor, but still there's nobody else that can sit next to Anwar and say 'I'm good as him'.

"Of course he can lead the party as he is a well-experienced politician. Eventually, Anwar needs to build a strong second layer leaders and that is why Rafizi Ramli and Izzah Anwar are coming out, as it is clear this might be the last time Anwar can lead." Shamsul said.

Shamsul also added PKR needs to work twice as hard to gain new supporters ahead of the general election.

"In order to revive the party, Anwar Ibrahim have to mobilize his party, by visiting people in rural areas and solve their issues.

"This is because at the moment Amanah and PKR are two Malay component and they cannot win without Malay supporters." he said.

Shamsul also commented that the spirit of "reformasi" (reform) has subsided in recent years compared to bread and butter issues.

"There is the 1MDB scandal and climate change, yet people are more influenced by contemporary issues and not "reformasi','' he said.