MALAYSIA’S Prime Minister and president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has pledged to refocus his attention on strengthening the party after three years prioritising national governance, declaring that PKR is now in its strongest position but must be further consolidated to withstand mounting political challenges.
Speaking at the PKR Kedah Convention in Alor Setar, Anwar acknowledged that since assuming the premiership he had devoted the bulk of his energy to stabilising the economy and reforming government institutions, but said the time had come to “change gear” and reinforce the party’s foundations.
He stressed that although PKR faces heavier pressures than other parties, its true strength lies in collective leadership and teamwork capable of steering it towards electoral success.
“From the outset I was supposed to officiate the opening of a hospital building in Pontian, but I spent two hours concentrating on gathering the strength and leadership of the party.
“Those who are tired and bored can wait, but the others must rise and stand up.
“I am confident when you look at the party’s position and want to see unity now, yes look at PAS in Perlis — we are in the best position,” he said.
Anwar conceded that party affairs had received less of his personal attention over the past three years as he grappled with pressing national priorities.
“For the past three years I admit, after taking over the post of Prime Minister, I gave less attention to the party because I wanted to fix the economy and put the government in order.
“I was under tremendous pressure to achieve targets: energy, semiconductors, digital transformation, education reform.
“I devoted far too much time. Three years is enough… now I am changing gear, I want to pay attention to the party, I want to go down to the ground and strengthen Keadilan as a formidable party in the country,” he said.
At the same time, Anwar underlined that leading the country inevitably brings persistent challenges, particularly within a coalition government comprising multiple parties.
He therefore called on all representatives of parties within the ruling administration to continue working together as one team, speaking with a single voice in the interests of national stability and progress. - February 14, 2026
