PKR’s 27‑year struggle isn’t about power, Zaliha says it’s about changing how Malaysia is run

In the 27-year struggle for reform in Malaysia, the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa emphasized that the primary goal is not merely to gain power in Putrajaya, but to fundamentally change how the country is governed. She argued that the cry for reform should not be merely a slogan to secure a government seat, but a genuine effort to implement lasting change.

Zaliha stressed that after PKR's involvement in the government, the party now bears the responsibility of translating the reform agenda into tangible improvements, addressing corruption, abuse of power, and ensuring justice for all Malaysians.

Furthermore, Zaliha called for bravery in reprimanding and correcting weaknesses within the party, acknowledging that reforms cannot be implemented overnight. She highlighted the importance of prioritizing changes, with some requiring immediate action while others demand time, negotiation, and preparation to ensure their longevity. Drawing inspiration from the story of Khalifah Umar Abdul Aziz, Zaliha emphasized that reforms should be implemented gradually without sacrificing the core goals of the struggle.

Zaliha also stressed the need for streamlined party communication to ensure that the government's achievements are understood and appreciated by the public. She argued that merely implementing policies or programs does not guarantee that people will comprehend their significance. Zaliha expressed hope that the party will adopt a more structured, faster, and people-centric communication approach after the congress.

She urged the party to master the narrative on social media, preventing the opposition from dominating the discourse. According to Zaliha, merely achieving numerical victories or crafting policies does not ensure public acceptance if the party fails to win their hearts and minds.