“PKR should remain a mass movement,” says Anwar as ex-leaders rally behind Bersama

 

PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the PKR National Congress 2026 at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, issuing a stern call for the ruling party to remain a principled mass movement rather than a mere vehicle for winning elections.

Speaking via a social media message ahead of his policy speech under the theme Memugar Reformasi, Membina Madani (Revitalising Reformasi, Building Madani), Anwar urged delegates to focus on introspection, social justice, and institutional integrity as the party navigates a shifting political landscape.

However, the national gathering opened against a backdrop of visible internal friction following high-profile exits and a disappointing performance in the recent Negeri Sembilan state elections.

Addressing a joint congress of the party’s Women and Youth wings in Ayer Keroh, outgoing PKR Deputy President Nurul Izzah Anwar warned against divisive internal jockeying.

“We cannot be strong as an organisation if there is a party within the party, two captains steering one ship, or an invisible hand – a hidden power structure behind the visible one,” Nurul Izzah cautioned, urging members to stop squandering energy on internal disputes.

Nurul Izzah’s remarks follow the high-profile departure of former key figures, including ex-deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, former vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and former Subang MP Wong Chen.

Operating out of their newly acquired political vehicle, Parti Bersama Malaysia (Bersama), Rafizi revealed at a Puchong press conference that the party’s membership had surged to over 29,000 within three months of its relaunch.

Rafizi attributed part of the momentum to the state election setback, claiming that former PKR members make up roughly 25% of Bersama’s current base.

“About 25% are former PKR members, while another 15% come from other parties including UMNO, PAS, and Bersatu,” Rafizi stated, adding that 60 percent of their members are first-time political joiners. In contrast, former DAP members account for under 1%.

Acknowledging the shifts, PKR Youth Chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim downplayed the defections, stating that while some members left due to a loss of confidence, the departures were small in number and would not weaken PKR’s core setup.

Still, he acknowledged that vote splits in tight races provided a vital lesson for the party.

As the annual congress runs through Sunday (Aug 16), PKR faces the double task of reaffirming its Reformasi ideals while keeping its grassroots intact amid fresh third-force competition. —  Focus Malaysia