Hassan paints grim picture of haemorrhaging PKR, warns of death knell

 

In a reflective social media post, PKR veteran Hassan Abdul Karim painted a grim picture of the party’s future as it limps towards the next general election amid internal turmoil and waning confidence within its own ranks.

With a vivid turn of phrase, the Pasir Gudang MP described PKR as “wounded, injured, severely battered, and losing a lot of blood”, warning that without urgent treatment the party could become paralysed or even die.

Titled “Deja Vu”, Hassan’s post revisited the 2020 exodus of PKR lawmakers that triggered the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government, drawing parallels with the growing disillusionment now gripping the party founded by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.

“This time, I am not stopping those who wish to leave PKR. It is unlike six years ago, when I tried to persuade PKR MPs who wanted to defect and join Muhyiddin Yassin and Bersatu during the Sheraton Move.

“At that time, I was the Johor PKR chairperson. For example, I personally called the MPs for Segamat and Batu Pahat, urging them not to abandon PKR, not to betray the struggle. My efforts failed.

“But now I am old, and no longer strong enough to fight against the tide to save PKR,” added the 75-year-old lawmaker.

Pointing out that he is now merely an ordinary backbencher, Hassan (above) said his views have no impact when weighed against the argument of PKR’s top leaders defending themselves.

“So now I choose silence. I merely watch as many of my friends among PKR’s senior MPs lose their spirit and faith in the party at this moment,” he added.

‘Only a handful support Anwar’

Expressing sadness over the current situation, Hassan said he has been watching video after video of announcements of those declaring their departure from PKR to join former deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s Parti Bersama Malaysia.

He added that in Parliament, only a handful of the party’s backbenchers remain supportive of Anwar, while he is flanked by two staunch supporters of Rafizi - Subang MP Wong Chen and Balik Pulau MP Bakhtiar Wan Chik.

“I remain in the middle, still placing my trust in PMX (Anwar), PKR and the Madani government, although from time to time, like Rafizi, I too disagree with PMX and his administration,” he added.

Still holding on to hope, Hassan expressed optimism that PKR would weather the coming political storm and survive the next general election.

“If PKR survives GE16, then it still has a future. If it wins convincingly, PMX will be crowned prime minister once again. But if PKR is defeated at the ballot box by the people’s choice, then all leaders and members must engage in deep self-reflection.

“However, there is still time to prepare and strengthen ourselves for the 16th general election. Never surrender before death arrives,” he added. - Mkini