Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim says he will not sign nomination papers for underperforming party branches, stressing internal strength is key to electoral success.
JOHOR BAHRU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has declared he will not endorse election candidates from Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) branches that are not in a good and stable condition.
Speaking as PKR president at the Johor Keadilan Convention, Anwar emphasised that the party’s internal strength is the fundamental basis for determining its success after navigating various challenges.
“This is about the struggle of the party, as we have gone through tumultuous struggles, but in the end, internal strength is what determines,” he told attendees.
He pointed to the party’s record in Johor, where it won many parliamentary seats, as proof that true strength is measured by the support of the people.
Anwar stated that candidate selection must be done carefully and through negotiations with Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition partners, but the party’s stance cannot be compromised despite weak performances in some states.
He asserted that underperforming branches should not claim seats but must instead focus on strengthening their grassroots machinery.
“We know that in elections, talking can be great, theories abound, and strategies sophisticated, but if the strength below is par, we will fail,” he cautioned.
The Prime Minister reminded members that holding positions such as branch, women’s, or youth head does not guarantee candidacy.
“It is not automatic, for those who become candidates are those who work with dedication and are able to win the party,” he explained.
Recalling past struggles where ceramah were disrupted and members were attacked, Anwar urged party members not to become complacent with their current comfort.
“We have been stoned, blocked and expelled, but now we no longer face that situation, however the spirit must not fade away because of a sense of comfort,” he said.
Anwar concluded that PKR must continue to set a good example and remain a reformist party with integrity to defend its position and the people’s trust.
Earlier at the event, Johor Keadilan State Leadership Council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said the party had identified 28 potential state seats to contest in the upcoming Johor state election.
