PUTRAJAYA: Emphasising the crucial role of idealism in contemporary politics, PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli says there is a need for a renewed focus on inspiring today’s youth.
Speaking at the PKR’s women’s and youth wing’s congresses, he said there was a difference between the current generation’s digital-savvy and fast-paced expectations and the more patient, grassroots-driven activism of the past.
He said modern youth, moulded by an era of rapid digital communications, demand immediate results and have a shorter attention span, a reality that political leaders must adapt to stay relevant.
Rafizi said it is important to understand the youth’s unique challenges and perspectives, and whose political engagement is often sparked by dissatisfaction rather than idealistic movements like “Reformasi” of the 1990s.
He said this generation is different, having grown up in a world where even television was not a common household item.
This context, Rafizi said, sets the stage for a new kind of leadership that must balance idealism with the pressing, immediate expectations of the young electorate.
“The key to securing the trust and support of this new generation lies in reconnecting with our foundational idealism,” he said.
He added that as governments grapple with rapid economic changes, the Opposition can leverage this situation by addressing the youth’s dissatisfaction.
However, he said that mere dissatisfaction is not enough.
Meanwhile, PKR must strive to embody the idealism that once drove its formation, now more than ever, to forge a strong connection with the youth and establish itself as a dynamic and responsive political force, he said.
“The only foundation that will help you remain in the party, and the fundamental quality that will help you become an effective leader entrusted with responsibility, is your idealism from your youth,” said Rafizi.
“Not many speak of idealism now, as the party is 24 years old. Since we became state governments in 2008, many from various wings have been given leadership opportunities.
“The focus has shifted towards this, and we don’t speak much about idealism.”
Rafizi said only idealism could propel the youth and women’s wings forward, making them strong pillars of the party.
However, he added that idealism would not advance the party without a strong organisation and talent pool.
Rafizi identified three generations within the party: the pioneers from the late 1990s, those awakened politically in 2008 after PKR formed state governments, and the latest generation, galvanised after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim became Prime Minister.
“If political awakening comes only from observing the government and current trends, it’s easy for those joining the party to defect when the government changes,” he said.
He said that if pursuing positions overshadows idealism, few will receive the opportunity, and even fewer can endure the challenges.
Strong idealism, Rafizi said, will empower the next generation to overcome challenges and advance the party.
He stressed the need to focus on idealism and develop a talent pipeline for future leadership.
“After this congress, as the deputy president, I will collaborate with the women’s and youth wing to focus on nurturing talent, aiming to attract as many capable individuals as possible for leadership roles,” he said.
He said this approach also ensures that PKR’s youth leaders become a reference and example for other parties while building a leadership team capable of leading for the next 40-50 years.
The two-day congress will be attended by 2,374 delegates and 1,500 observers, including leaders from the unity government component parties and 50 delegates from various foreign embassies.
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