Amanah VP Mahfuz Omar urges members to stay calm and reasoned, calling for dignity amid heated debates on party elections.
SHAH ALAM: Amanah vice-president Datuk Mahfuz Omar reminded members that they belong to Parti Amanah Negara – not Parti Amarah (party of anger) – as tensions flared once again at the party’s 10th National Convention today.
His remark followed a heated exchange over a motion to postpone the party’s internal election, prompting him to urge members to remain calm and rational.
“This morning, I think everyone was shocked but to me, it shows our struggle is alive. The news (was widely shared) quickly,” Mahfuz said during his winding-up speech.
“This demonstrates a strong fighting spirit. But let me remind all of us, we are Amanah, not Amarah. We must differentiate between being trustworthy and being angry.
“Let’s debate with reason, intellect and knowledge. Only then can we reach good conclusions,” he added.
Amanah secretary-general Faiz Fadzil said the resolutions committee had received two motions concerning the party elections, due next year.
“There were motions proposing to postpone the elections and others suggesting that they proceed. The committee deliberated and decided to accept both as suggestions,” he explained.
“So, since both motions have been accepted, there’s no need to debate further. The timing of the election depends on our electoral strategy.
“What matters most is ensuring Amanah wins the next general election and continues governing with Pakatan Harapan and the Unity Government,” he added.
Meanwhile, Amanah communications director Khalid Abdul Samad expressed disappointment with delegates who booed speakers during the debate sessions.
He chastised members for their behaviour, urging them to maintain decorum and respect during party proceedings.
“A Youth delegate had just started speaking when some began booing. Who taught you that? What culture is this? If your assumptions are wrong, that becomes slander.
“So let us speak with dignity and good character, even in the heat of debate. Let our convention reflect our values,” he said.
Earlier, three delegates demanded that the motion on party elections be debated immediately, leading to a tense moment when Amanah Jerlun delegate Zaisham Shah Bhari was escorted out of the hall by party volunteers.
Khalid reaffirmed that no decision had been made on whether to proceed with or postpone the 2026 leadership election.
“There hasn’t been any meeting to discuss this yet because we don’t know when the general election will be held.
“According to the party constitution, the leadership has the power to decide if a postponement is necessary. We’ll review this next year,” he said.
He added that the motion to debate the election issue was rejected as irrelevant since no formal decision has been made.
