Latest news with #PKRNationalCongress2025
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Political appointments not abuse of power
JOHOR BARU: Political appointments that elevate qualified individuals should not be seen as an abuse of power but as rightful recognition of those who have contributed to a party's success, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. He said such appointments are a form of reward earned through sacrifice and dedication to the party's struggle to form the government. "There are many unsung individuals who voluntarily gave up their jobs and spent their savings to support the party's fight to become the ruling government," he said during his winding-up speech at the PKR National Congress 2025 here today. "I remember a former civil servant known as Pak Kudus from Tanjung Karang. He was among the first to support me after I was dismissed from office, surviving on a pension of just RM1,800 a month. "There were also academics and medical specialists who lost their jobs for backing me, burning through hundreds of thousands of ringgit without ever asking for anything in return. They chose to live out the rest of their lives modestly. "We must offer positions to qualified individuals as a gesture of appreciation for their decades of commitment and sacrifice," said Anwar. The PKR president and Tambun MP also emphasised that PKR remains one of the few political parties with a truly multiracial composition, and that all segments of society would be given equal rights and opportunities. "God willing, we will support those who have fought for the party. We are a serious multiracial party. While the core may be majority Malay and Bumiputera, the party represents all ethnic groups. "Even Chinese and Indian members have been elevated to the post of vice-president by Malay PKR members," he said. Anwar also praised the maturity of PKR delegates, noting that they could distinguish capable leaders deserving of elevation, regardless of any pre-arranged cai (slates) during party elections. "Delegates didn't care about the cai. Some groups brought in slates, but the results for the Central Leadership Council (MPP) elections turned out differently. "This is the difference between the two groups, and both have been embraced," he added. Commenting on the outcome of the party elections yesterday, Anwar said he was confident in the new leadership's ability to carry out their responsibilities, uphold the party's mission, and take it to greater heights.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah election: Nurul Izzah pushing for at least 13 seats for PKR
JOHOR BARU: PKR is demanding at least 13 seats in the upcoming Sabah election, says the party's newly elected deputy president, Nurul Izzah Anwar. "I urge the president (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim), to negotiate for those 13 seats," she said in a speech at the PKR National Congress 2025 here. She called on PKR members and leaders nationwide to close ranks and focus on the state election, saying victory in the polls was critical. Pakatan Harapan and Barisan Nasional have agreed to enter the Sabah election together. Meanwhile, Nurul Izzah said the reform of the party, a process that could take up to 24 months, must be comprehensive and grounded in democratic values. "The experience of the Chinese Communist Party in combating corruption should also serve as an example, especially in terms of its firmness in taking action, including against top leaders," she said, adding that this included prosecution. The former Permatang Pauh member of parliament also spoke on the importance of developing talent within the party. She said this includes implementing a rigorous screening process for new members to ensure they are qualified and have clean records. Nurul Izzah said that PKR's Pakatan Harapan ally, DAP, only accepts new members whose applications are endorsed by existing members. "We do not intend to replicate their approach entirely, but this screening principle can serve as a point of reference to prevent our party from being infiltrated by individuals motivated solely by personal interests," she said.
New Straits Times
24-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Stay clear of 'dikir barat' style of politics, Fadhlina tells PKR members
JOHOR BAHRU: PKR members have been told to refrain from adopting a mentality of blindly following instructions without critical thinking. PKR Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek said such a "dikir barat" style of politics could lead to division in the party when those who disagree with the majority are shunned. "That is why we in PKR do not practise 'dikir barat' politics, where, when the tukang karut (lead chanter) speaks, everyone just follows. "But if a member changes the lyrics, they are cast out of the group," she said in her winding-up speech at the PKR National Congress 2025. Fadhlina, who is also the Education Minister, said she wanted to see PKR remain strong in preparing for state elections and the 16th General Election. "I worry that if the grassroots continue to be swayed by reformist slogans and act in ways that are not aligned with the leadership, it would show a failure to grasp the top leadership's message. "I am also concerned that if, at any point, we are not truly solid as a party in upholding our principles and fail to understand the direction of our struggle, the public will eventually question our legitimacy," she said.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Johor police to tighten security, manage traffic for PKR congress this week
JOHOR BARU, May 20 — Johor police will implement precautionary safety and security measures to ensure the smooth running of the PKR National Congress 2025, set to take place in the city this week, said state police chief Datuk M. Kumar. He said the three-day event, beginning this Thursday, will be held at four venues: Johor Persada International Convention Centre, Berjaya Waterfront Hotel, Danga Bay Convention Centre, and Toppen shopping centre. 'We have deployed additional police personnel to all four locations where the congress activities will be held from Thursday to Saturday. 'However, traffic congestion is expected as about 10,000 attendees, including party members, delegates, and guests, are anticipated,' he said at a blood donation drive held in conjunction with the 218th Police Day Celebrations at the Johor police contingent headquarters today. Kumar assured that police do not anticipate any major issues during the congress. He urged all attendees to adhere to the organisers' rules and guidelines to ensure the event proceeds smoothly. 'No matter the programme, the public must comply with the law. As long as the law is followed, there should be no problems,' he said. On potential traffic congestion as the congress coincides with the weekend, Kumar said the police are prepared to manage the situation. He added that no road closures will be implemented in the city during the event. The PKR National Congress was initially scheduled for December 14 and 15 last year but was postponed due to severe flooding in several states, including Johor.
New Straits Times
23-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
'I have no cai, I review based on merit,' says Anwar on PKR party elections
JOHOR BARU: It is better to evaluate candidates based on individual merit rather than relying on 'cai' (preferred candidate lists), said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The prime minister, who is also PKR president, said he took a longer time to review each candidate for the party's central leadership as he was not guided by any 'cai'. "I don't have a 'cai', which is why I took some time — I want to review each candidate. "Let's look for the best and vote. That is the proper way to do it," he said when met after casting his vote at the PKR party elections today. Anwar was accompanied by his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also the PKR Advisory Council chairman. Also present were PKR Central Election Committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa and PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. When asked which campaign he supported — 'Jelajah Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa' (Hiruk) or 'Dari Akar, Membina Aspirasi Inklusif' (Damai) — Anwar said he supported both. "Hiruk and Damai. If some have their own 'cai' here and others there, I don't. "I hope when making decisions, both are taken into account, and we go with the best," he said. Anwar is expected to officiate the opening of the PKR National Congress 2025 at the Persada International Convention Centre later today. Asked about the content of his speech and whether there would be any critical remarks, Anwar quipped: "Has there ever been a presidential speech without jabs? Of course, there will be some remarks." Commenting on PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's attendance, Anwar, who is also the Tambun member of Parliament, said Rafizi should have no qualms attending the congress in light of his position. He added that he expects Rafizi to attend, despite speculation that he may not. "I think he will come. He has not said anything, but I assume he will. He is the deputy president, so he should attend," he said, adding that Rafizi had no issues with his responsibilities and continued to attend Cabinet meetings regularly.
