AYER KEROH: PKR must begin planning for its future and preparing the next generation of leaders beyond the era of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, says party vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa (pic).
Speaking during her winding-up speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress on Sunday (Aug 16), Dr Zaliha stressed that a mature party should not shy away from discussing its long-term succession plan.
“If we want to build a party that is greater than any individual, we must think about its future. Who is next after Anwar Ibrahim?” she asked.
Dr Zaliha noted that as a political party that championed reforms to limit the prime minister's executive powers, PKR must be equally proactive in developing potential successors.
“Do not wait until one day, when the president announces it is time for him to step down, and only then start looking around for who should come next,” she said.
“We have to start from now. In fact, we should have started 20 years ago,” she added.
She outlined the path forward for the party, highlighting the need to identify talent early while providing adequate training and exposure to prepare individuals for leadership responsibilities.
Dr Zaliha said future leaders could be groomed from various levels, including division chiefs, ordinary members, professionals and grassroots members.
