Anwar tells ‘sulking’ PKR members to leave the party

 

SPEAKING at the PKR Selangor Convention yesterday, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim openly said that those who only know how to complain, sulk, and weaken the party’s efforts are free to leave the party.

Anwar added that the party’s struggle requires discipline and cannot wait for those who are doubtful.

“Politics of change demands resilience, courage, and readiness to continue fighting even when faced with various attacks and slander. PKR must remain prepared in terms of mindset, spirit, and determination to defend the nation’s future,” he said.

According to Anwar, the party is facing organised efforts to divide the people through narrow racial and religious sentiments, with the aim of weakening unity and destroying confidence.

He emphasised that the reform struggle is not for those who are comfortable or who play on the sidelines.

However, some party members took to social media to address the issues that matter to them in their struggle for the party.

In an open letter to the president of the party, a member of PKR in Langkawi, Adnan Hasan, elaborated on the issues facing the grassroots leaders. His response to Anwar calling “grumbling” members to leave the party is epic.

“For me, this struggle is bigger than positions. Recently, you spoke about those who like to complain and grumble within the party. Allow me to respond honestly, from the heart of a long-time reformist. Yes, Dato’ Seri, we complain. We grumble. But Dato’ Seri, we do so because our hearts still care for this party. If we were silent, you would know what that means,” Adnan said.

“Silence is not a sign of loyalty. It is a sign of disgust, despair, and readiness to walk away,” he wrote in a Facebook post.

He also asked Anwar to allow him to raise three poignant questions, not to weaken the party, but because he still have some love left for the party.

He said the views of those at the bottom of the party are often ignored and that grassroots voices are only important when top leaders need to use their voices in quotes but the leaders seem to ignore the reality on the ground.

“First, We are often reminded to listen to the people’s grievances and grassroots voices. But when it is our turn at the bottom to speak, why does it seem completely ignored? Is the grassroots voice only important when it can be quoted in speeches, but becomes a burden when it touches reality?” said Adnan.

“Second, You ask us to work, to struggle, to go down to the ground. But in what capacity? We hold no positions in the party. We have no space in the structure. Political appointments are almost entirely monopolised by those who won elections. Does losing an election mean losing the right to contribute and be respected?” he added.

In the last leg, he points out that PKR never truly involve long-time reformists in the party’s activities. Not even a cup of coffee is offered to them.

“Third, How often do party leadership programs truly involve long-time reformists and activists without positions? We do not ask for big stages, we do not ask for microphones. Not even a cup of coffee, Dato’ Seri. We see branch chiefs and committee members feasting, while others can only watch from the sidelines — present, loyal, but unseen,” he said.

But in his speech on Saturday, Anwar said PKR has chosen a clear path, based on the Constitution and principles of justice, embracing all citizens as one collective strength.

“The people’s mandate is a trust for us to work hard in building the nation. Those who only know how to complain, sulk, and weaken the party’s work are free to step aside and give way,” he said.

At the same time, he stressed that the MADANI government will not compromise with corruption and abuse of power. —Focus Malaysia