PKR at a crossroads as internal election signals loss of confidence, say analyst

ALOR SETAR – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is at a critical crossroads in its political journey following an internal election that revealed clear signs of exhaustion among its members.

Political analyst Dr Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri said the significant number of members who chose not to vote is a clear indication that trust in the current leadership is fading.

He said the phenomenon of vote-skipping or abstention should not simply be viewed as personal disengagement, but rather as a silent form of protest.

“The deputy president race saw a significant number of missing votes, raising questions about the party’s internal unity and its true direction.

“In politics, not voting can carry a louder message than verbal complaints. When a majority of eligible members opt out, the message is clear – something is wrong within the party,” he told Sinar Harian on Sunday.

Zaharuddin described the loss of over 60 per cent of votes in the party’s internal election as highly concerning.

“Did voters neglect their responsibilities, or was this a silent protest against PKR’s leadership? Were they deeply disappointed, or expressing discontent with the party’s unclear direction? This outcome can be interpreted as a silent vote of no confidence in the leadership,” he said.

He added that PKR is now facing deeper internal turmoil – an identity crisis.

“On one hand, the party is trying to position itself as part of the Unity Government to remain relevant in the political game.

“On the other hand, PKR seems lost and increasingly distant from the reformist values it was founded on in 1998.

“This internal election also indicates that PKR is building a ‘new line-up’ more focused on securing the Prime Minister’s position for one term, rather than pursuing a long-term vision to strengthen its reform agenda.”

The phenomenon of vote-skipping or abstention should not simply be viewed as personal disengagement, but rather as a silent form of protest.

He noted that both the public and PKR supporters, once full of hope for the party, are now starting to question its direction.

The people want change

“Hope in PKR was never just about protecting individual survival or holding onto political power. The people want real change. But with its increasingly conservative political playbook, PKR seems to have lost its reform narrative that once inspired the rakyat.

“As a result, PKR is not only struggling to convince the public but also to unify its own members,” he said.

Zaharuddin stressed that if PKR truly wishes to remain relevant in Malaysia’s political landscape, it must boldly embrace reform and return to its roots – the values of reform, integrity and justice that once fuelled a people’s movement.

“PKR needs to rethink its priorities and strategy. Otherwise, it risks becoming nothing more than a ‘political theatre’ with no real impact.

“The leadership must place ideals above power. If not, PKR will become just another political entity existing solely for elite survival, not for championing the people.”

He added that PKR must avoid writing its own downfall.

“The people have given them chances, but those opportunities have been wasted for short-term political manoeuvring.

“Even more worrying, a ‘forgetting your roots’ culture is creeping into PKR. Reform-era veterans who shed blood, sweat and tears are being sidelined.

“Big names who were once the backbone of the movement are being replaced by new political stars who are more pragmatic and elite in nature,” he said.