PKR represents a new brand of politics in the country and is the party of the future despite its struggles against the prevalent racial and religious rhetorics, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said today as the party turns 25.
He said racial and religious politics have failed the country.
"It is not only a failure, but also, the concept is old. We need to understand that the young prefer politics of progression and a strong national identity," said Sim.
Echoing the call of "refomasi," the PKR central committee member said the party needs to work smarter and harder on the reforms front.
He said the young talents are PKR, and this is evident in the party’s performance at state and national levels.
"We have good leaders. Our prime minister is none other than the inspiring Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the PKR president. We have the idealism of a better Malaysia."
Sim said the party has the ideas and the drive to turn Malaysia into a progressive nation.
"From Perlis to Sabah, PKR is everywhere. We need to build on the momentum of moving forward and leave the old politics behind," he added.
PKR is believed to have 1.1 million members.
Sim said the religious outbursts over the five pairs of socks bearing the name of Allah at a KK Mart store is an example of how identity politics can unsettle a nation.
The damage can be minimised with a better understanding of race and religion while also advocating the PKR message of moderation, he said.
Former party deputy secretary-general S. Raveentharan said the party must hasten the pace of reforms while battling racists and bigots.
"The foundation of the country is based on moderation. PKR is championing what our forefathers fought for."
PKR also needs to fight the perception that the unity coalition it leads is weak; instead it should convey the message that it is empowered to take on its rivals, he said. – The Vibes, April 4, 2024.
