PKR Youth warns of 'friends smiling in front, yet plotting behind our backs'

PKR Youth secretary Omar Mokhtar A Manap reminded the party against solely relying on the political manoeuvring of other parties, referring to dynamics within the unity government.

In his winding-up speech on the PKR Youth chief's policy address during the party's convention at the Melaka International Trade Centre yesterday, Omar said PKR should use its time in government to build its own strength.

"Yes, we are aware of the reality that we became a unity government through everyone's congress.

"But we cannot allow ourselves to face friends who act right to your face, but are crooked behind your back, smiling in front of us while plotting various moves behind us," he said.

He affirmed that PKR needs to evaluate its capacity and space to drive the party's agenda, including through the ministries it leads.

"If they (government partners) behave like that, what are we, who hold the government, doing? Look back at what we can do to move the agenda forward.

"Review every ministry we hold; what programmes can be brought directly down to the people. If they do that, what is stopping us from doing the same," he argued.

Cooperate with other parties

Omar said PKR also needs to consider cooperation with other parties, including small parties and local parties, in an effort to strengthen its political position.

"What’s stopping us from opening up space for cooperation with other parties?

"What’s stopping us from looking at small parties or local parties that can join us to gather strength and build cooperation to move forward?

"What’s stopping us? If they can do it, we can do it more," he declared, without specifically naming the parties he was referring to.

However, he is believed to be referring to the tense relationship between Pakatan Harapan and its unity government ally BN.

Despite sharing power with Harapan at the federal government level, BN collaborated with Perikatan Nasional in the recent Negeri Sembilan election, resulting in the downfall of the PKR-led state administration.

A Malaysiakini analysis of the recent Negeri Sembilan polls found that BN and PN consolidated Malay support to win 25 seats, securing a two-thirds majority in the state, while Harapan only managed 11 seats.

The combined low voter turnout among Chinese voters for Harapan and the shift of Indian voter support to BN also served as a warning signal to Harapan, which may continue to lose votes from disappointed supporters following perceptions that it has abandoned its reform agenda.

In such a scenario, Harapan is also expected to lose many parliamentary seats in the upcoming 16th general election, as well as in states such as Malacca, Perak, Kedah, Pahang, and Penang.

Pivot for the people

Omar also urged PKR to realign its political compass by giving more attention to issues close to the people's lives.

He said issues raised by a Pahang delegate, including customary land, show that the public is increasingly paying attention to micro issues that directly affect their lives.

"I think we need to realign our political compass. We have to adjust our journey to the situation in front of us.

"This is the time for us to speak about what the people want to hear. No longer can we force the people to listen to what we say. What the people want, we need to know," he said.

According to Omar, that approach aligns with the foundation of PKR's struggle, which voices the people's issues and advocates for justice.

"As long as we talk about the people, justice will always remain relevant on the country's political map," he said.

Rebuild grassroots strength

He further reminded PKR Youth members not to assume that PKR's position in government will last forever.

He said the period in the unity government must be used to strengthen the organisation and rebuild grassroots strength.

"We are in a unity government; after this, we do not know when we will get it back. So please, make sure to work on the ground, rebuild strength, not just at the branch level, but be willing to go down to the district level.

"That is what we must build and continue to build from now on," he said.

He added that PKR can also no longer rely solely on political "waves" to win elections because such support can shift and may not necessarily favour the party.

"We can no longer expect to win just through a wave. Not anymore.

"We must realise that we have to win by building our own strength. We have no more time. That wave comes suddenly. It is our luck if at that time the wave favours us," he said.

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