PKR has practised an open principle in all aspects since its inception 20 years ago, says party vice- president Rafizi Ramli.

Rafizi said the party was always open-minded with its members on all matters to avoid the “cancer” that could destroy the party.

“PKR debates and informs directly on all matters to its members. If you don’t talk, members will not know the real story.

“Even in the election process, all its 900,000 members will vote. There is victory and defeat, but there is no offshoot party, because everyone will continue to help in strengthening the party after that,” he said at the 20 Years of Reform programme in Kuala Terengganu last night.

Also present was deputy minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Fuziah Salleh, one of the candidate for the post of PKR Women chief.

Rafizi said the culture of the party was different from other parties, such as Umno and PAS, that did not dare to openly make criticisms.

He said PKR had remained strong since its inception for being able to openly criticise and advocate democracy effectively.

Hence, he believes the principle should be maintained that if PKR did not want to receive the same fate as PAS, which created splinter party, Amanah, and Umno that gave birth to Bersatu.

Rafizi, who is the candidate for the post of PKR deputy president, will be facing incumbent Mohamed Azmin Ali in the party election, that will be held for nine weeks from this month.

- Bernama