As PKR grapples with departures, Anwar makes fresh appeal for estranged old friends to return

AYER KEROH, Aug 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim recently reached out to former PKR leaders and members who have left the party, urging their return. His plea comes amid internal tensions and recent departures within the party. Former Subang MP Wong Chen quit PKR this week, while Chua Tian Chang and Dr Xavier Jayakumar were spotted at the party’s national congress in Melaka.

Anwar, addressing his party’s National Congress 2026, used Malay slang "otai-otai" to address veterans or old hands, urging them to rejoin the struggle. He also apologized to those who might have felt sidelined, accepting any mistakes the party may have made. Anwar’s call for reconciliation precedes the upcoming general election, with PKR facing criticism over its performance in recent elections, particularly in Johor, Sabah, and Negeri Sembilan.

The party's internal strife is further highlighted by the departure of former leaders Chua Tian Chang and Dr Xavier, as well as Wong Chen, who joined Bersatu, a coalition led by former PKR figures Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad. PKR is also grappling with uncertainty over its deputy presidency as Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, seeks to resign from the position, resulting in her being placed on temporary leave and given responsibilities to Deputy Chairman Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Despite retaining only two of its five state seats in Negeri Sembilan, PKR is under pressure to bolster its unity as it prepares for the next election.