AYER KEROH: Only those who joined PKR during its formative years from 1999 to 2007 should be formally recognised as party veterans, says Pahang PKR secretary Zukri Aksah.
Zukri, who spoke on behalf of the party’s veterans bureau, said PKR needed a clear definition of who qualified as a veteran.
“There must be a specific definition for veterans,” he said during debates at the PKR National Congress on Saturday (Aug 15).
He proposed that the designation be reserved for those who had been with the party between 1999 and 2007.
“Only those who started during those years would understand the trials and tribulations of the struggle and the sacrifices involved,” he said.
Zukri also recounted the experiences of veteran members and activists who had used their own resources, including their personal finances, to support the party during its early years.
“Heal the wounds of the reformists,” he said.
“When we are in power, we propel new faces whom we feel are intelligent and capable of filling these positions, but we forget those from the past who are already tired,” he added.
Zukri said members who had only been with the party for three or four years, despite having worked hard, sometimes expected to be rewarded with positions.
“Their excuse is that this is important to make the party machinery more effective,” he said.
“The tired veterans will not be able to compete, and what is more unfortunate is that their exhaustion is ridiculed,” he added.
He said those who were with PKR from 1999 to 2007 had sacrificed not only their time, but in some cases their family lives and careers, while also putting their personal safety at risk.
