PKR congress to review party weaknesses after Johor, Negeri Sembilan election setbacks

THE Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) annual congress next week is expected to become a platform for a detailed review of the party’s performance in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, with delegates set to examine weaknesses within its machinery, candidate selection and campaign strategies.

PKR Information Chief Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said the congress would fulfil the party’s constitutional obligations and requirements set by the Registrar of Societies (ROS), while also providing an avenue for delegates to discuss lessons from the two state polls.

He said delegates, particularly those from Johor and Negeri Sembilan, were expected to raise issues involving the party’s preparedness, organisational structure and steps needed to strengthen PKR ahead of future elections.

"Certainly, the issues that will be raised by delegates, particularly from Johor and Negeri Sembilan, will include what they have observed and the lessons that can be learned from what happened in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections.

"And what actions need to be taken within the party, firstly in terms of machinery, responsibilities, and perhaps candidate preparation, among other matters," he said at a post-Cabinet meeting press conference on Wednesday.

Fahmi said the discussions would allow the party to conduct a frank assessment of its performance and identify improvements needed to enhance its political effectiveness.

The review comes after mixed results for PKR and its allies in the recent state elections, prompting internal discussions over campaign approaches, voter engagement and the effectiveness of government messaging.

Meanwhile, the government has ordered immediate improvements to aviation security procedures, including the deployment of Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel within the Aviation Security (AVSEC) framework, following the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines co-pilot in Indonesia last week for alleged drug smuggling.

Fahmi, who is also Unity Government spokesperson, said the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was briefed by the Home Ministry (KDN) and Transport Ministry (MOT) on the matter.

"Regarding the arrest of a Malaysia Airlines pilot or co-pilot in Jakarta, the Cabinet was informed by KDN and MOT that several improvement measures need to be implemented immediately. First, involving aviation security (AVSEC), PDRM personnel need to be placed there because currently the team managing it consists of auxiliary police," he said.

Fahmi said KDN and PDRM had been instructed to examine potential vulnerabilities, including possible loopholes within existing security arrangements.

He added that Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) had also been directed to review background screening procedures and health assessment protocols for pilots and co-pilots.

"At this stage, we have only received an oral report from the Transport Minister and the Home Minister.

"Since the case in Indonesia is still active, we need some time to examine the full report," he said.

Fahmi said the government would consider further action, including the possible placement of PDRM personnel alongside AVSEC at airports, after receiving the full findings.

"We need to know who else may be involved. Those responsible must face legal action, and comprehensive measures must be taken to ensure the loopholes are closed immediately," he said. - August 5, 2026