Anwar can still focus on reforms to boost support, says KJ

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim could refine his strategy and focus on implementing reforms to increase his support following the recent state elections losses, according to Khairy Jamaluddin. The former Umno Youth chief highlighted concerns about Malay voters shifting to Barisan Nasional (BN) and Perikatan Nasional (PN), with a potential continuation of this trend into the next general election.

If this pattern repeats in Melaka, Anwar may become a former prime minister. Khairy proposed two options for Anwar: executing the promised reforms or using his authority as prime minister to solidify his political position. The former health minister believed Anwar would choose the latter, citing the redirection of parliamentary allocations through the Prime Minister's Department after certain PKR MPs were blocked from accessing the online fund management portal.

Three of these MPs, Wong Chen, Lee Chean Chung, and Rodziah Ismail, supported a new party, Bersama, founded by ex-PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. Khairy emphasized that time was running short for Anwar to make necessary changes, as the longer the process takes, the more challenging it will be to win voter support.

Anwar's reputation and image established before his premiership were seen as a potential advantage. Regarding the allocations for MPs, Khairy advised Anwar to acknowledge any mistakes and this admission could potentially endear him to voters. Anwar recently denied allegations that the government was restricting development allocations from any MPs, asserting that funds were being directed directly to the people, not through elected representatives.