THE fall of several big names in the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) branch-level elections highlights the emergence of a ‘third force’ in the party not aligned with any leader.
According to a senior party leader, those who managed to successfully dethrone several party ‘Goliaths’ were not backed by any leader but were the voice of the grassroots.
“It is common knowledge among party members that there have always been two groups – those pro-Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and those aligned to Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
“However, as the election results show, a number of less prominent candidates secured victories and even ministers and deputy ministers were ousted.
“This clearly shows the call by the grassroots for change within the party … something which cannot be ignored,” said the insider.
He said these underdogs did not have any Aces up their sleeves, but merely appealed to the grassroots as someone who was sincere and wanted to serve the party.
“PKR will be heading to the general election soon and I believe the grassroots are aware that these present batch of leaders will play a critical role in ensuring the success or fall of PKR in the GE.
“The newly elected leaders must be able to rise to the occasion and give our party president all the support he needs to win another term,” added the insider.
He also said that those who have been defeated should accept it sincerely and not create unnecessary issues and cause disharmony among party members.
“Yes, it is their right to appeal and it must be done within party boundaries.
“But what certain senior members are afraid of is that when and if they lose their appeals, these disgruntled members will start inciting others and cause problems in PKR,” he added. – April 22, 2025
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