Is the party in full gear to face an impending general election? This was the question in the lips of many PKR delegates at the party's national congress in Seremban today.

Some of the delegates - while debating the president's policy speech - felt that the party was not really prepared for the national polls.

Sabah's Keningau delegate Dr Jeffrey Kitingan urged for a discussion on the party's general election preparatory level as soon as the congress ends. Today is the last day of the party meet.

"If the general election is held in August, we have to be ready... we have to be prepared," Jeffrey, who is also the Sabah PKR deputy chief, told some 500-delegates attending the congress.

Legally the general election must be called before April 2009 but it is widely believed that the government will call for a snap general election soon.

He also proposed that the party let its Sabah members to have a separate election manifesto during the general election. He did not elaborate.

Penang-based delegate Ong Chin Wen believed that this will be PKR's last congress before the general election is held and urged party members to gear up for the possibility.

"This is the time for us to turun padang (go down to the grassroots) especially to areas that we will be contesting," he said.

He added that the BN would not succeed in its propaganda if PKR members can consistently engage themselves with the grassroots supporters.

Malacca's Masjid Tanah delegate Md Shah Amin said that PKR has to contest in places where there is acceptance (for the party and its policies).

"We want candidates that are not only accepted by our members but also by the people," he said.

Don't interfere

Meanwhile, a delegate representing the Youth wing, Hasmuzair Hassan sent out a strong message to PKR top leadership against meddling in the youth leadership.

"To the top leadership, don't interfere in youth's affairs," he said.

Hasmuzair also chided Youth chief Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin for "not defending the rights of youth representatives".

Previously former youth wing's secretary general SD Johari alleged that party advisor Anwar Ibrahim was interfering with the election process of youth wing leaders.

Johari claimed that Anwar had instructed Shamsul to 'make sure' he loses the contest. He also claimed that he was victimised because of his strong ties with former PKR Youth head Ezam Mohd Noor.

He has since then withdrawn from the contest for youth vice-head in protest despite garnering the highest number of nominations for the post.