Anwar: PKR Strongest Now, Must Focus on Unity & Truth | Malaysia News
- ALOR SETAR, February 14 – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), currently experiencing its strongest period, must consolidate its strength to ensure continued solidity, according to its president, Datuk Seri...
- Anwar acknowledged that PKR faces more significant hurdles compared to other political entities in Malaysia, but asserted that a unified approach is crucial for success.
- However, Anwar cautioned against complacency, stating that the party should not assume internal perfection.
ALOR SETAR, – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), currently experiencing its strongest period, must consolidate its strength to ensure continued solidity, according to its president, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Speaking at the Kedah PKR Convention today, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of teamwork in overcoming challenges and securing future victories for the party.
Anwar acknowledged that PKR faces more significant hurdles compared to other political entities in Malaysia, but asserted that a unified approach is crucial for success. “Focus on how to build strength so that ‘the ship can dock with style and stability’,” he told party members, using a metaphor to illustrate the need for a well-coordinated and robust organization.
However, Anwar cautioned against complacency, stating that the party should not assume internal perfection. He addressed the need for self-assessment and continuous improvement, acknowledging that his focus on economic stabilization and governmental order since assuming the premiership three years ago had necessarily diverted some attention from direct party management.
“People can say whatever they want; our duty is to work and know what our choices are,” Anwar stated, signaling a willingness to address criticism directly and transparently. “If We find issues, we must answer each one raised with the truth, not fabrication.” This commitment to factual accuracy and open dialogue underscores a strategy of building trust and accountability within the party ranks.
The PKR president stressed the importance of grounding the party’s struggle in verifiable facts, arguing that progress cannot be built on a foundation of animosity. “No country in the world has progressed by sowing the seeds of hatred,” he said, advocating for a positive and constructive political discourse.
Anwar further emphasized the need to reject views fueled by hatred, advocating instead for the diligent and responsible execution of duties. He specifically addressed the role of Islam in Malaysian politics, asserting that genuine adherence to the faith extends beyond mere proclamation. “The opposition parties can say they want to uphold Islam, but Islam is not merely in its proclamation; it is in its practice, its principles of justice and the implementation of its teachings,” he explained.
PKR, Anwar affirmed, takes its responsibility regarding Islam seriously, recognizing its status as the religion of the Federation. However, he insisted that the party’s approach should be one of refinement and constructive engagement, rather than avoidance. This nuanced position reflects PKR’s attempt to navigate the complex intersection of religion and politics in Malaysia.
The call for Kedah to serve as a model stronghold for PKR comes as the party seeks to recapture lost ground in the state. According to Anwar, Kedah possesses significant potential and has demonstrated the capability to be a key base for the party. He highlighted the historical importance of Kedah as one of PKR’s earliest strongholds, emphasizing the need to defend previously held state and parliamentary seats.
“Kedah has shown good capability and potential. State and parliamentary seats that we once captured must be defended because this state once emerged as PKR’s earliest stronghold,” Anwar said. This focus on Kedah signals a strategic effort to revitalize the party’s support base in a region with historical significance for PKR.
Anwar placed his trust in the party leadership at the division and branch levels, recognizing them as the foundation of PKR’s strength. He urged all members to work cohesively as a team, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect between leaders and members. “I place my trust in every division chief elected by members. I respect them and I also hope they respect me; there should be no problems,” he stated.
He also called for engagement with the women, youth, and veterans wings at all levels of the party, stressing the need for inclusivity and collaboration. “Respect whoever is chosen, work as one team,” he urged, reinforcing the message of unity and collective effort.
The emphasis on internal cohesion and strategic focus on Kedah comes as PKR navigates a complex political landscape in Malaysia. The party, a key component of the ruling Pakatan Harapan coalition, faces ongoing challenges in maintaining public support and delivering on its promises of reform and economic progress. Anwar’s address to the Kedah PKR Convention underscores the party’s determination to strengthen its organizational base and position itself for continued success in the years ahead.
According to the People’s Justice Party’s website, as of , the party boasts a membership of 1,153,212 individuals. Founded in 1998 as Pergerakan Keadilan Sosial, the party evolved through several iterations – Ikatan Masyarakat Islam Malaysia (IKATAN) and Parti Keadilan Nasional – before becoming Parti Keadilan Rakyat in through a merger with Parti Rakyat Malaysia. The current leadership includes Anwar Ibrahim as President, Nurul Izzah Anwar as Deputy President, and Fuziah Salleh as Secretary-General.