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COMMENT | PKR has always endeavoured to position itself in the center of opposition politics. Now more than ever, with all of Harapan parties set to use the PKR logo in the coming elections, PKR finds itself in a place of prominence and scrutiny.

In many ways, they have all the right qualities to be the anchor party in the opposition coalition - they are the most genuinely multiracial party in Malaysia, and represent a good cross-section of ideologies and backgrounds.

Diversity in a political party works best when it in turn is anchored in a clear set of values and principles. In this regard, PKR does seem to be lacking somewhat.

In the absence of such values and principles, internal division within a political party tends to be organised along personality lines.

Many leaders within PKR have been dismissive of reports of internal conflict within the party - more often than not calling such reports mere fabrications by BN-owned mainstream media.

This particular dismissal and excuse is a little old and tired. It would perhaps be unfair suggest that PKR is in complete and total internal disarray, as only an insider could speak accurately to such issues, but what is externally observable does raise some concerns.

Chaos and mess

Firstly, there is the haphazard manner in which the candidates were announced. Where most other parties hold big events - celebrations almost - to announce their candidates, PKR opted to only release the final list to the media.

Then, there is the manner in which the candidates themselves were notified. The picture of disorganisation, chaos and constant last-minute changes and confusion does not reflect particularly well.

Perhaps this may have been a more minor matter, had it involved a relatively small component party. When it comes from the party that sees itself as the very forefront of the opposition, things are a little different.

PKR in particular suffers from a deficit of confidence when it comes to united leadership and stability....

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