-By A Staff Writer
(Lanka-e-News -05.Oct.2024, 5.45 pm) As the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) braces for the upcoming parliamentary election, tensions are rising between two senior party members, Kabir Hashim and Imtiaz Bakir Makar, over a coveted Nationalist MP position. The internal dispute comes on the heels of SJB leader Sajith Premadasa’s loss in the recent presidential election, with the party now strategizing for the forthcoming general elections.
Kabir Hashim, a prominent SJB figure with strong financial backing, has recently become closely aligned with Sajith Premadasa. In an effort to bolster his influence within the party, Hashim is pushing for Imtiaz Bakir Makar to contest the election outright, rather than seeking a Nationalist MP post, which is often seen as a backdoor appointment. Hashim, known for his bold approach, has been vocal in challenging Makar to face the electorate rather than “beg” for the parliamentary seat.
Imtiaz Bakir Makar, the son of former Speaker Bakir Makar, has reportedly been hesitant to enter the general election, opting instead to seek the Nationalist MP post. His reluctance is attributed to his unpopularity, stemming from controversies dating back to the 1980s, including his involvement in the Wahhabism movement and a scandal involving the sale of roofing sheets during his time in the State Housing Ministry. Furthermore, Makar’s family acquisition of a house in Maradana under questionable terms has added fuel to the fire, with Kabir Hashim using these issues to launch a fierce attack on his rival.
Hashim’s stance is clear: if Makar has any real support from the public, he should contest the election and earn his seat, rather than relying on a Nationalist MP appointment, a process often criticized as undemocratic. Meanwhile, Makar has publicly urged SJB members to prepare for the general election and seek the people’s mandate, yet he has been accused of contradicting his own advice by seeking a Nationalist MP post.
Makar’s past actions, including an alleged campaign to boycott the opening of a Buddhist monk’s statue in Beruwala Town , have further alienated him from the majority Buddhist community in Sri Lanka. Buddhist monks are now reportedly rallying against Makar, accusing him of propagating an anti-Sinhalese agenda, a stance that could severely damage his prospects in a Buddhist-majority country.
Adding to the complexity, Hashim is reportedly seeking to appoint former Colombo Mayor and Governor Musamil to the Nationalist MP post, creating further friction within the party. The ongoing conflict between Hashim and Makar has brought to light deeper divisions within the SJB, raising questions about the party’s direction and the leadership of Sajid Premadasa.
As the general election approaches, the question remains: should figures like Imtiaz Bakir Makar, with their controversial pasts and perceived lack of public support, be allowed to enter Parliament through appointments? The SJB leadership will need to address this issue as they navigate the internal strife threatening to disrupt their preparations for the national vote.
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by (2024-10-05 12:54:16)
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