Federal Territories PKR Youth chief leaves party

Federal Territories PKR Youth chief Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi announced that he is leaving the party effective immediately.

Explaining the matter, Asheeq said he joined PKR after the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government in 2020 following the Sheraton Move, believing the party needed the younger generation’s energy and idealism.

However, halfway through the government’s current parliamentary term, he claimed PKR is veering away from the ideals it previously championed.

“Initially, I tried adjusting to the party’s direction, but it came to a point where I got stuck between ideals and PKR’s deepening pragmatism.

“Many decisions taken by the government today are not in line with the ideals I hold on to since my activism days,” he said on Facebook.

Asheeq, who is also the Batu PKR division chief, said he is also quitting as the Federal Territories Residents Representative Council for the Batu constituency.

He added that he will submit a two-week notice to the federal territories minister to ensure a smooth transition of duties.

“I would like to extend my appreciation to everyone who has given me the space, trust, and awareness throughout my journey.

“Rest assured that my commitment to the people in Batu is neither tied to position nor political party.

“Regardless of whatever political decision I make later, my work in Batu will continue as a person who was born in this constituency,” he added.

Asheeq’s journey

Asheeq, now a lawyer, began his activism at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

He was among the student leaders in the 2016 TangkapMO1 rally, organised following the United States Department of Justice’s court filing, which stated that “Malaysian Official 1” received US$731 million originating from 1MDB.

UKM later suspended Asheeq for one semester for participating in the rally.

Responding to Asheeq’s decision, Batu PKR division stated that it remains committed and trusts the leadership of party president Anwar Ibrahim and its Federal Territories chief, Azman Abidin.

The division also stated that Batu PKR deputy division chief Idawatie Pariman will assume Asheeq’s responsibilities to ensure the party’s work continues as usual.

“Batu PKR also respects Asheeq’s decision and extends our appreciation to him for his contributions, commitment, and sacrifices while serving in the party,” the committee members said in a joint statement.

Student wing leaders resign

On May 12, eight central leadership council members of PKR’s student wing, Mahasiswa Keadilan Malaysia (MKM), left the party, citing a loss of confidence in Anwar in his capacity as prime minister.

“We reject the culture of blindly defending the party while the principles of the struggle are increasingly being abandoned.

“Accordingly, eight members of the MKM central leadership council are announcing their resignation from the party today,” said its chairperson, Ram Erfan Zur Nuqman.

Besides Ram, those who also announced their departure were deputy chairperson R Paarveen, vice-chairperson II Ismail Hakim, executive secretary Zuhair Hazman Zohari, executive secretary II Khairunnabiha Baharin, treasurer Emy Azariena, information chief Luqman Hakim Kamal, and arts, culture, and sports bureau chief Danish Fitri Razi.

Vice-chairperson III Saw Zi Xuan resigned from the MKM central leadership council but remains a party member.

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