PKR prioritises common agenda amidst coalition dynamics – Chean Chung

SHAH ALAM - PKR is facing a significant challenge as a key pillar in the unity government, as it must maintain momentum and attract public support in the 16th General Election (GE16).

PKR's Communications Director Lee Chean Chung said that as a coalition comprising 19 political parties, the crucial focus should be on a common agenda.

Amidst constraints, he said all parties must strive to translate aspirations and commitments into unified policies, spirit, and ethos.

"I don't see it as a question of whether the people support the current government but whether they support PKR, which is a critical component of Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the Madani Government.

"Hence, we need to return to the framework of PKR itself, how to continue to understand the people's desires, expand our influence, and capture the souls, especially of the youth.

"That is more important because we resonate with the youth who seek change.

"However, we must understand the type and nature of change they desire.

"PKR needs to compete ideologically with PN (Perikatan Nasional), which views conservative and exclusive methods as superior, whereas we believe that inclusive and progressive methods are better," he said.

He made these remarks when asked to comment on statements made by Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim, who posed six questions to PKR following a special convention to be held in conjunction with the party's 25th anniversary celebration at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) here on April 21.

Hassan said that leaders and party members, totalling over a million people across the country's 222 parliamentary constituencies, would bravely self-reflect and assess their strengths by addressing these questions.

Lee added that the next three to four years present the best opportunity for PKR to demonstrate its capability to overcome three main challenges: reform, multiracial politics, and people-oriented politics.

"PKR will be celebrating its 25th anniversary, and for us, it is important to remind everyone that our struggle is not the same as PN's.

"Firstly, there is reform. PKR is a progressive political party and shifting from the status quo is difficult.

"We know that when maintaining the status quo, many, whether they benefit from it or fear change, it becomes worse. Therefore, it requires a progressive mindset.

"Secondly, there is multiracial politics. We do not adopt the extreme political formula like PN; instead, we convince everyone that this is the best approach for Malaysia. This is a challenge for us," he added.

He also pointed out that PKR is committed to people-oriented politics, which aims to assist the majority of the people rather than cater to specific ethnic groups.

"They are the B40 and M40 groups. In other words, how do we implement government policies for these groups first rather than for the wealthy and more than enough upper class?

"All three of these are challenges and struggles supported by PKR," he said.