PKR leaders have been urged not to go too far in accommodating political partners in the Unity Government, particularly UMNO, at the expense of the party’s own principles and interests.
Penang PKR Youth chief Muhammad Fadzli Roslan said party leaders should stop trying to please everyone and instead be prepared to defend PKR and its president, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said PKR could not afford to prioritise the feelings of its allies while allowing dissatisfaction to grow among its grassroots members.
“I want to remind PKR leaders, whether from the central leadership council, Youth wing or Wanita, that we must stop being people pleasers.
“Enough with trying to keep our friends happy. Who is looking after our interests?” he said while debating the AMK chief’s policy speech at the AMK Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) here today.
Fadzli, who is also an AMK central leadership council member, said the youth wing should act as a “shield” for PKR and ensure the party, particularly its president, was not undermined by external parties.
He also cautioned party leaders against being overly concerned about losing support from political allies to the extent that they remained silent when PKR’s interests were affected.
“In politics, we can be friends with anyone, but we should not become so concerned about keeping our friends happy that we forget who we are fighting for and who stands behind us,” he said.
Fadzli also rejected any perception that PKR was merely following the lead of its partners in government, particularly DAP.
He criticised controversial remarks by certain DAP leaders which he claimed could undermine the government’s efforts to revive the economy and restore public confidence.
“I want to remind DAP leaders to reduce the controversial statements. Spare a thought for our leaders who are working hard to restore this government,” he said.
At the same time, Fadzli stressed that PKR remained open to working with political parties including UMNO and DAP, but cooperation should not prevent the party from speaking up on matters affecting its interests.
“We can be friends with anyone, but do not interfere with our efforts to build the government and revive the economy for the people we care about,” he said.
His remarks underline the balancing act facing PKR as it maintains cooperation within the Unity Government while also responding to concerns from its own grassroots over the party’s political direction.
