Defeat of big names shows strength of grassroots, says ex-PKR leader

SHAH ALAM – Former PKR information coordinating secretary Iswardy Morni said the defeat of prominent and high-ranking figures in the recent party election should be seen as a wake-up call to leaders whether they are currently holding positions in the state or federal government, or may do so in the future to carry out their responsibilities effectively.

He explained that unlike other parties, PKR is grassroots-based and leadership positions were determined by the members themselves, not by delegates or branches.

"PKR is a party of its members. It's not about who the top leaders are at the central level. This does not guarantee your position at the branch level. The members will observe and assess the work you do.

"If you fail to fulfil your responsibilities as expected, you will be voted out in the next election and replaced by someone else, as we have seen this time around. This is true democracy.

"This outcome proves that the final decision on leadership rests with the members. In fact, if we look at those who defeated these prominent and high-ranking figures, they are not even well-known to outsiders, but they are popular among the grassroots and that’s why they were able to win," he said.

Commenting on how some people found the election results odd, like when a branch chief loses but their team members win, Iswardy admitted it seemed unusual, but it was actually a unique feature that reflected PKR’s grassroots and people-first values.

"I know many are saying the results are odd (in certain branches). But these claims only come from those who lost. If they had won, it wouldn’t be seen as odd.

"We need to understand that voting was conducted online. Are we certain that everyone who said they supported us actually voted on election day?

"Such claims cannot be used as proof if anyone wants to challenge the results. Instead, they must present solid evidence to support their allegations," he added.