PUTRAJAYA – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has said he will allow party members to decide whether the positions of PKR president and deputy president will be contested in the upcoming party elections this May.
Anwar, who currently holds the PKR presidency, emphasized his commitment to democratic principles during a press briefing after launching the Harmoni MADANI Bestari Jaya People’s Residency Programme (PRR) project. “Let them decide. I won’t interfere. Let democracy take its course … whether there is a contest or not, let the party decide,” he stated firmly.
This follows a recent statement by PKR International Bureau chairman Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Md Akin, who suggested that the top two posts might remain uncontested. Shamsul explained that the proposal emerged from internal discussions within the party, though he did not elaborate further.
Notably, if Anwar is re-elected as PKR president in May, it will mark his final term in the role under the party’s constitution.
PKR secretary-general Dr. Fuziah Salleh earlier confirmed that the party will hold elections for its Central Leadership Council, Women’s Leadership Council, and Youth Leadership Council on May 24, with results determining leadership for the 2025-2028 term.
The possibility of uncontested top posts has sparked debate among members, with some urging competitive elections to uphold transparency, while others argue for stability under the current leadership. Anwar’s neutral stance leaves the decision squarely in the hands of PKR’s grassroots.
The outcome of the May elections could shape the future direction of Malaysia’s largest reform-focused political party.
