Reformasi party should not curtail democracy, says ex-PKR Youth vice-chief

Summary

• Former PKR youth vice-chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman disagrees with his former party’s proposal to leave the top two posts uncontested in upcoming party elections.

• Syed Badli reminds PKR that “reformasi” is the foundation of its struggle and that democracy in party polls should not be curtailed.

• He urges party leaders to embrace democracy as a chance for members to elect or retain those capable while getting rid of underperformers.

Former PKR Youth vice-chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman said the democratic process within PKR should not be restricted.

Responding to news reports that the party is expected to leave the top two posts uncontested in its upcoming elections, Syed Badli said democracy means providing space for all members to choose and be chosen.

“As a party that advocates the slogan of ‘reformasi’ as the foundation of its struggle, democracy in the party election process must be celebrated fairly at all levels,” he said in a statement.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli are PKR’s president and deputy president respectively.

‘Elections are performance evaluation’

Syed Badli said Anwar as the party chief needs a more dynamic leadership team to strengthen the people’s agenda and ensure that justice remains relevant in the political world.

“Party elections are a process to reassess the performance of each leader entrusted with responsibilities.

“The election process will provide an opportunity for members to replace weak leaders or retain those who are capable,” he added.

Syed Badli pointed out that if a leader is seen as performing well and capable, the grassroots will naturally choose to retain their position, and likewise, the opposite holds true.

“Therefore, every leader should not fear undergoing the election process, whether to choose or be chosen. Democracy is noisy, while silence means a reluctance to make changes,” he added.

Yesterday, PKR international bureau chairperson Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin said the proposal for the two posts not to be contested was based on internal discussions and feedback from previous consultations.

“The goal is to maintain internal party stability and improve service to the public, especially with the next general election approaching in about two years.

“There is no official party decision preventing a contest, but among the leadership, we hold discussions as we prioritise more important agendas,” he said.

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