PKR heads into congress amid electoral setbacks, internal strife [WATCH]

The PKR (Parti Keadilan Rakyat) party is set to convene its annual congress amid electoral setbacks and internal strife. The congress, originally scheduled for June 26-28, has been postponed to allow PKR's machinery in Johor and Negri Sembilan to prepare for the state polls. However, the party's performance in these elections has been poor, resulting in only three out of 36 seats contested. This marks three consecutive electoral reversals for the party.

Internal tensions within PKR have also risen, with five lawmakers accusing the party of abusing its power by blocking access to the MyKhas special allocation portal. This issue has led to the resignation of Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, who is the third PKR MP to lose access. Former PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, along with other prominent members, have since formed a breakaway group called Bersama.

PKR's central leadership council recently granted Nurul Izzah Anwar temporary leave to step down as deputy president. Her absence has not quelled the internal crisis, as PKR's divisions have deepened significantly. Political scientist Dr Syaza Shukri of the International Islamic University Malaysia suggests that the party may soon split.

The PKR congress will also see delegates debating the party's direction in the absence of knowledge about DAP's (Parti Amanah Negara) upcoming national congress. DAP is PKR's most reliable partner, and any move by its leaders from the Cabinet to the backbenches could weaken the unity government. PKR delegates are therefore debating the party's future without knowing whether DAP will remain in Cabinet.

Despite these challenges, PKR remains the prime minister's party and an anchor of the unity government, with Anwar in Putrajaya. The party's vote-winning capacity, however, has narrowed, and the emergence of Bersama has complicated its position. PKR's grassroots members are seeking answers and a clear sense of direction at the congress, as they are concerned about winning over the "middle Malays" who represent the party's greatest chance.