KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 26 — Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (PPBM) has yet to formally establish Srikandi, its women’s wing, its secretary-general Datuk Shahruddin Md Salleh asserted today amid confusion over the removal of its chairman.

Shahruddin cited Article 21 of the party constitution in which the supreme council must officially form the Srikandi wing before any office-bearers can be appointed to it.

"Thus, the position of Anina being referred to as Srikandi chief should not arise,” he said in a statement, responding to rumours that Anina Saadudin, a founding member of the party, was removed as Srikandi chief by other leaders.

Anina was said to have been named the Srikandi leader on November 2, in the same ceremony when PPBM announced its supreme leadership council members.

However, PPBM information chief Datuk Kamarudin Md Nor said yesterday that the wing has never had a chairman, causing confusion over Anina’s role in the Srikandi wing.

Shahruddin clarified further that Anina is a supreme council member who is charged with organising activities for Srikandi until the wing is formally established.

"The Supreme Council will form the Srikandi wing in the near future after all the internal process is adhered to,” he said.

He said that since Srikandi would be a crucial wing to the party, the decision regarding its chief must be made very carefully.

"It is hoped that PPBM leaders can calm down and unite to strengthen the party,” he said.

Yesterday, PPBM grassroot leaders claimed Anina was removed as Srikandi chief and "demoted” to a mere supreme council member.

Anina also claimed yesterday that she had never received an official letter from the party regarding the matter.