PKR’s future should not be measured by the influence of any single leader, a party leader said, rejecting recent concerns raised about the party’s long-term viability.
Wanita PKR vice-chief Loh Ker Chean said the party had weathered numerous challenges over the past two decades because its foundation was built on the principles of Reformasi rather than individual personalities.
Reformasi remains the party’s foundation
Loh acknowledged that PKR president Anwar Ibrahim remains a symbol of the Reformasi movement, but stressed that a symbol should not be confused with the institution itself.
She said PKR’s struggle has always been guided by the ideals of Reformasi, including justice, democracy, good governance and the fight against corruption.
“PKR’s struggle is founded not on a single leader, but on the ideals of Reformasi,” she said in a statement.
Leadership pipeline remains strong
Loh also rejected suggestions that the party lacked future leaders capable of taking on greater responsibilities.
She said PKR’s combination of experienced leaders and younger figures had demonstrated their capabilities through their roles in both government and the party.
According to her, leadership development remains a continuous process within PKR, ensuring that the party continues to renew itself over time.
Future relevance depends on values, not personalities
Loh said PKR’s future relevance would ultimately depend on the values it upholds rather than the identity of its leaders.
“Leaders will come and go, but the Reformasi struggle must continue,” she said.
Her remarks came in response to comments made by former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, who claimed that bureaucratic tendencies and the party’s inability to reinvent itself could eventually lead to its decline.
Rafizi, who now leads Parti Bersama Malaysia, also argued that PKR remains dependent on veteran leaders because it lacks a clear succession plan capable of appealing to younger voters.
