MELAKA: PKR cannot rely on popularity alone to win elections and must return to the grassroots to rebuild public trust, says PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim.
Speaking at the launch of the PKR Youth and Women congress on Friday (Aug 14), Kamil said the party must reassess its political strategy following recent electoral setbacks in Sabah, Johor and Negri Sembilan.
“Elections are part of the celebration of a democratic system and are also a platform for us to gauge the extent of the people's support for what we are fighting for. That is why it is important for us to evaluate ourselves.
“I believe everyone agrees that our strength at the grassroots level is not yet strong enough for us to translate that into electoral victories.
“This requires us to look inward, reflect and ask ourselves whether we have done our best to ensure the continuity of, and continue carrying, the torch of the reform struggle,” he said.
Kamil noted that as PKR forms part of the government in Putrajaya, the party must renew its approach to ensure political strategies are more organised, systematic, structured and targeted.
He emphasised that leading the reform movement in government presents vastly different challenges compared to fighting from the opposition bench.
“You must remember that since 1998, we entered elections riding waves of support. At that time, the people and the times themselves became part of our machinery.
“Ten years after 1998, we succeeded in creating a new wave in 2008 and for the first time in history, we managed to deny Barisan Nasional its two-thirds majority in Parliament in 2018.
“So, God willing, 10 years after 2018, we will be able to achieve another victory for PKR and the people of Malaysia," he said.
Kamil urged members not to lose hope and to accept the signal sent by voters in recent polls.
"The people have given us a clear signal, and this requires us to rise again, speak on behalf of the people and reassess our approach and strategies,” he added.
