KUALA LUMPUR – With calls for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to resign as opposition leader after Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) dismal performance in the recent Melaka polls, the question over who would be more suited to lead the reform effort has been raised.
Federal Territories PKR Youth chief P. Prabakaran said that leaders – including those from Barisan Nasional (BN) and former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad – who have spoken about reform are all talk and no action.
“As long as the reform agenda is being fought for, I think Anwar has no problem with anyone helming the opposition leader position.
“But who else has a clear vision for reform like him? What we have now are leaders who deliver sweet words about reform but do not really walk the talk.
“Today we see BN talking about reform. The same goes to Dr Mahathir and a few influential individuals in the country, but they do not have any agenda for reform,” the Batu lawmaker said in a statement today.
In the Melaka election last Saturday, PH was left to lick its wounds after winning only five out of the 28 seats up for grabs. Four of the seats were won by candidates from DAP while one was secured by an Amanah candidate.
The wipe-out of Anwar’s PKR was seen by some as a severe blow to the opposition coalition.
Following the defeat, DAP national organising secretary Anthony Loke, for the first time, openly said that PH must stop insisting that Anwar be its sole candidate for the post of prime minister after the losses suffered in Melaka.
Loke was reported by The Malaysian Insight as saying that the coalition should instead talk more about the reform agenda and not just about Anwar being prime minister.
As a young leader, Prabakaran said, he was disappointed with coalition component members for being so quick to point fingers when they were “benefiting from the suffering and sacrifice of Anwar”.
He said he would remain steadfast under Anwar’s leadership because the opposition’s strength today is the result of the influence of the “father of reformation”.
“I still realistically believe that his leadership is justified at a time when the country is in a turbulent state.
“There is no need for us to worry who will be the next prime minister. PKR’s leadership is clear about bringing its agenda of institutional reform.
“The question of who will be the prime minister candidate is irrelevant at a time when the people are suffering due to some corrupted leaders.”
Prabakaran also called on all leaders of the PH alliance to join forces, reflect and fight for people and country.
“Without a strong opposition, our country will be easily boxed in by individuals who are hungry for power.
“Let us not lose hope for those who have not given up in fighting for the reform agenda,” he said. – The Vibes, November 28, 2021
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