PKR diberi amaran kepulangan bekas pemimpin berpotensi cetus persaingan

Analysts warn the return of former PKR leaders like Tian Chua and Xavier Jayakumar could reignite the reformist movement, but question how far the campaign can remain relevant. In Petaling Jaya, James Chin from the University of Tasmania stated their return could open the door to a revival of the movement's core roots, but also potentially trigger new competition for positions.

Wong Chin Huat from Sunway University doubted whether the reformist movement still held the same appeal it once did. Another analyst, Ahmad Fauzi Abdul Hamid from Universiti Sains Malaysia, suggested their return could help counteract the continued erosion of grassroots support for the party. On the previous day, Xavier confirmed his return to PKR after President Anwar Ibrahim urged veteran party members who felt sidelined to join it again.

Tian Chua has also been welcomed back as a party member. While Chin told FMT that their return could open up space for more former party members to return, he cautioned that the move could also spark fresh competition among those who come back, particularly in contesting seats and leadership roles. Chin predicted Xavier and Tian Chua would not be content merely playing supporting roles; they would want leadership positions, and without additional seats for them, he saw no clear path for success.

Tian Chua might be interested in contesting the Batu parliamentary seat he once held for four terms before being thrown out as an independent candidate in 2022. He was expelled from the party in the same year following his contesting of that parliamentary seat as an independent. Xavier left PKR in 2021, having previously served as the MP for Kuala Langat.

Wong Chin Huat doubted whether the return of former leaders could boost support among Malay voters for PKR. The party is struggling to attract Malay voters away from PAS and Umno, which are now stronger in majority Malay constituencies after recent elections. With PAS and Umno's support, they also captured Negeri Sembilan from Pakatan Harapan (PH) just three weeks later.

Wong also noted that reformist-era and Pakatan Rakyat figures now have limited appeal among younger non-Malay voters. PR came before PH. However, he advised Anwar to consider reconciliation efforts with Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, former PKR leaders now leading Bersatu. Wong warned PKR against rushing to invite back those aligned with former deputy party president Azmin Ali, who was involved in the Sheraton Steps that toppled the PH government led by Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

"Many PH voters strongly dislike Azmin and his entourage. Receiving them back into PKR may increase their animosity, both inside and outside the party," Wong warned. Fauzi encouraged the revival of the reformist movement's spirit, suggesting veterans could be involved in outreach programs to remind younger party members of the challenges PKR once faced as the opposition.

He urged a comprehensive apology to former leaders, following Umno's example of accepting former party presidents like Khairy Jamaluddin and Hishammuddin Hussein back into the fold. He suggested this approach could also pave the way for reconciliation with Bersatu, which now has Azmin as one of its leaders.