As one of the founders of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) Omar Sheikhmus believes that his party has started to regain its strength in both Kurdistan and Iraq. He warns however that young leaders should be leading the party.
Sheikhmus tells Rudaw that PUK leaders “must separate party coffers from their personal wealth.”
Sheikhmus who currently lives in Sweden says he could not resume his political life because having lived in democracies such as Sweden and England most of his life Kurdish politics does not agree with him.
You are one of the founders of the PUK, but for years now you’ve distanced yourself from all party politics.
Omar Sheikhmus: I came to realize that the way politics is done in the Kurdistan Region is incompatible with my opinions and my nature especially after I spent a big part of my life in England and Sweden, two exemplary democracies. This is in addition to my age and health. The time has now come for competent young men and women to assume these roles.
The PUK has been suffering political infighting. Have you proposed any solutions?
I tried quietly and privately, but unfortunately my efforts were to no avail because the problems were not political or intellectual in nature.
What aspect of PUK political infighting concerns you most?
Several things concern me. First, the PUK should separate party coffers from personal wealth. It should allocate a specific annual budget for party affairs. Second, showing disrespect to party by-laws and leadership concerns me too. I am also concerned about the danger of turning the PUK into a tribal party.
Pavel Talabani has emerged as an influential decision-maker in the PUK. Do you think he is ready to lead the party?
He has played a very good role and continues this role. The party congress should determine his role and rank.
What is the difference between the PUK now and the PUK of twenty years ago?
The PUK was very strong and proactive in the past. The party has now weakened because of infighting, the desertion of some key party leaders and the death of Mam Jalal (Talabani). The PUK has, however, started to regain its morale and play its role after Iraqi and Kurdistan elections and the assumption of the post of Iraqi president.
Do you think the return of Barham Salih to the PUK can help resolve the party’s problems?
Yes. The return of Dr Barham to the PUK will energize the party and create conditions to resolve some party problems.
Do you think Pavel Talabani and Lahur Sheikh Jangi can help get the PUK back on track?
Qubad, Lahur, Pavel and other young leaders have had strong influence on PUK’s fans. Their influence is obvious. I hope they play a positive role in making the necessary reforms within the PUK.
Mala Bakhtiar is currently upset with the PUK. Have you spoken to him recently?
Yes, I have. I have contacted him two to three times. I think it is better for him to return to his work at PUK politburo.
Do you think the absence of Mala Bakhtiar will hurt the PUK?
Yes. There is no doubt about that. Mala Bakhtiar has great experience as a Peshmerga, intellectual and politician. He is a very active person. Losing a competent leader like this will hurt the PUK or any other party.
The PUK has once again assumed the position of Iraqi president. Do you think this will strengthen PUK’s position?
The PUK has already started to get back on its feet. The party officials have high confidence in themselves and abilities. They are proud of their relative victory in Iraqi and Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections, especially proud of their victory in Sulaimani. This can lead to positive reforms within the PUK and the holding of the party congress.
Why do you think relations between the PUK and KDP are currently strained?
These tensions are temporary and due to elections. All the parties have now started serious dialogue to reach a deal and help one another. The complex situation in the Kurdistan Region might encourage them even more to get the Kurdish house in order.
Have you written your memoirs?
In 2010, Nawzad Ali Ahmad wrote a book about my political life. The second edition of the book was published this year. It was translated into Arabic by Yasin Hussein and was published in Sulaimani and Cairo. It will be published in Kirmanji and Latin in Stockholm. I am currently writing my autobiography in English.
