A former PKR vice-president has urged party leaders to welcome criticism from both members and the public, emphasising that such openness promotes accountability in the national interest.
Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the party should not brush aside feedback simply to avoid widening internal divisions ahead of the next general election.
The Setiawangsa MP added that raising concerns was never meant to damage the unity government’s image or reputation.
Past concerns raised as checks and balances
Nik Nazmi recalled how he, together with Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli and Subang MP Wong Chen, voiced worries last year over delays in appointing the country’s top judges.
He explained that the trio were merely performing their duty as a check and balance on the administration.
“As government backbenchers we will vote for the Budget to be approved and back the administration. We are not out to topple the government,” he told FMT.
The comments came when asked about steps to prevent divisions within PKR after last year’s party elections.
Nik Nazmi and Rafizi had resigned as federal ministers after failing to retain their vice-president and deputy president posts respectively.
Response to Anwar’s remarks
Nik Nazmi was also addressing recent comments by PKR president Anwar Ibrahim that the party should not become a platform for those who “complain and nag”.
While saying he was unsure who Anwar had in mind, Nik Nazmi noted that members had legitimate reasons to keep raising their concerns.
He recognised, however, that Anwar and other leaders have worked hard to bolster the party’s standing by pushing the government to take a strong stance against corruption.
Graft issues remain a major concern for Malay voters and were key in ending Barisan Nasional’s long dominance in the 14th general election.
Risks in unity government alliance
Nik Nazmi stressed that party leaders must carefully examine various challenges arising from Pakatan Harapan’s partnership with Barisan Nasional in the unity government as preparations begin for the next general election.
These include the tense relationship between former bitter rivals Umno and DAP, which he said could undermine stability.
“I worry that such issues may prolong, and I fear it is a ticking time bomb,” he said.
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