PETALING JAYA: PKR and Bersatu have respectively concluded their annual national congress and annual general meeting (AGM), with each party having a renewed commitment, greater resolve and a sharpened mission to continue the work ahead.
As the lynchpin party of their respective coalitions, leaders from both parties say they are on a course to strengthen their political integrity, members and support base ahead of the 16th General Election.
PKR Central Leadership Council (MPP) member Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said what’s next for the party following its Congress is the continuation of its struggle for change and reformasi (reform).
“Some policies are now in place. A few coming soon next year. We must now focus on ensuring execution, and real impact to the rakyat and nation.
“To do that, the party must be strong with principles, narratives and machinery.
“Give us room to ensure real reforms. Nevertheless, we welcome constructive criticism and should be open to receiving it. After all, that is the meaning of reform,” the Ledang MP said.
Syed Ibrahim added that Malaysians can expect a progressive working and living multiracial, multicultural party in PKR.
MPP member and Subang MP Wong Chen said the next big event for the party is the 25th silver jubilee of the formation of PKR which is expected to take place in May 2024.
Bersatu Youth chief Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal said next on the cards for Bersatu is strengthening the party internally such as organising its states, divisions and grassroots levels, increasing members and upskilling its leaders.
“This is especially among MPs and assemblymen so we can perform better and exude more confidence to the people as preparation for upcoming elections,” he said yesterday.
He added that while Bersatu will always be a Malay party, there is a need for it to find a way to be more appealing to non-Malay voters as well.
“This we have to discuss further with leaders of all the states so we have certain targets on how to slowly gain some traction among non-Malay voters so they understand that Bersatu and Perikatan Nasional can be a good alternative.
“I hope Malaysians can see Bersatu in a more moderate way. Do not judge us based on a few statements made by certain leaders or just because we are considered as a Malay party there is a preconception we are not just and fair to other races,” he said.
The Machang MP added that being the majority race and the custodian of political power in the country, Malays have long learned to live with others in a multicultural setting but remain strict in non-negotiable matters such as Islam, adat (custom) and rights.
“But in all other places, I can say that Malays are very much flexible.
“Bersatu is carrying that nationalist sentiment into the new era and, as we have proven in the past year, Bersatu and PAS are still relevant among the electorate, especially the youth.
“So hopefully we will present more constructive engagements rather than sentiment-stirring antics and Bersatu can be regarded as a real force in the country,” he said.
Bersatu information chief Senator Datuk Razali Idris said next on the Bersatu agenda is putting in hard work and strategic resolve to strengthen the party by having a stronger grassroots organisation, focusing on constituent engagement and going on a membership drive.
He admitted that the party has to put in the hard work to gain more members as the party is only seven years old compared to decades-old Umno, PAS and even PKR.
“My hope is for the party to be stronger and for all members to focus on streamlining the branches, divisions and grassroots as well as increasing membership in order for us to move forward.
“The party president and deputy president have said that there is a target of reaching one million members next year,” said Razali yesterday.
Bersatu has 600,667 members nationwide as at Nov 20.
“We have to prepare our party to show the people that we can serve whether as the government or the Opposition,” Razali said.
