All hands on deck: (From left) Saifuddin, Rafizi and Nik Nazmi launching the ‘Felo Keadilan’ initiative at PKR’s annual convention held to commemorate the party’s 25th anniversary in Shah Alam. — KK SHAM/The Star
SHAH ALAM: PKR leaders and members are urged to be more flexible and creative to ensure the multiracial party remains relevant for decades, says Rafizi Ramli.
Speaking at the party’s 25th anniversary convention here, the deputy president said now that PKR is part of the federal administration, it is time for the leadership to reevaluate crucial steps to ensure the survival of the party.
He said this was especially important as the country is heading for the 16th General Election (GE16) in about three years, adding that PKR must start working now if it wants to remain in power.
“Remember Kodak? It was the biggest (film photography) company for a hundred years and every time new technology came out, Kodak dismissed it by assuming the new products would not last long.
“But when society started changing (with new technology), within 20 years, Kodak went bankrupt, disappeared and they can’t get back up.
“As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, this is the best time for us to evaluate and start looking for new ways to ensure there will be another 25, 50 years.
“We have seen parties make the mistake of not looking for new ways to build on their strengths based on new challenges after acquiring power. That is why they have become weaker over time,” he said in his speech at the Ideal Convention Centre here yesterday.
Rafizi urged party leaders and members to embrace change while continuing to be creative in serving the people.
“I believe it was around 2010, we began dominating online platforms and used Facebook to publicise our ceramah.
“But now, we are no longer dominant (on social media). Our opponents are the ones using the very same platforms to attack us. I urge everyone to reflect on this,” he said.
In launching the Pemerkasaan Organisasi Parti 25 Tahun (Pop25) and Keadilan Menang Siri PRU16 (Kemas16) framework, Rafizi also said PKR should make early preparations before GE16.
“We hope preparations that begin two years earlier will ensure (Datuk Seri) Anwar (Ibrahim) remains as the Prime Minister,” said Rafizi.
The Economy Minister also said Pop25 will focus on empowering the party’s organisation while Kemas16 will get party workers moving at a faster pace for GE16.
“Both frameworks will bolster the grassroots strength at all levels so that we can create a fight and win formula,” he added.
GE16 is due to be called by February 2028.
Earlier, PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail kicked off the convention by taking delegates on a walk down memory lane.
Saifuddin, who said he was feeling nostalgic, read letters he had received from Anwar in early 1999 when the party president was in prison.
Discussing the proposed formation of PKR, Anwar had offered encouragement while calling for his compatriots to not lose sight of their struggles.
Saifuddin also shared how PKR had, over the years, fallen but managed to pick itself up again.
“In 2004, when the party was quashed in the general election, no one wanted to come near us. Previously in 1999, we had won five parliamentary seats and five state seats,” Saifuddin said in his speech.
He reminded all PKR members to always remember the challenges the party faced in the past.
“It is not the number of PKR members in the Cabinet or the number of MBs (mentris besar) or the number of state exco members that matter.
“PKR’s efficacy and success depends on what it delivers to the people,” he added.
Party vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad announced the launch of PKR’s “Felo Keadilan” initiative for party members, aged 22 to 40.
The aim of the programme, he said, was to shape young leaders.
