PKR perlu pelan pemulihan elak risiko kalah ‘teruk’ PRU16, kata Tian Chua

PKR requires comprehensive recovery plan to avoid 'devastating' defeat in PRU16, says Tian Chua

Pahang PKR branch chief Tian Chua warns that the party faces the risk of a 'devastating' defeat in the 2016 general election if it fails to implement a robust recovery plan. Addressing FMT, he emphasized that PKR needs to rekindle momentum and rebuild its political strength to continue its fight. Former deputy president of PKR and ousted in 2023 after contesting as an independent candidate for the Batu parliamentary seat in PRU15, Tian Chua has welcomed President Anwar Ibrahim's return to the party and his attendance at the PKR national congress.

The veteran MP from Batu said the decline in PKR's grassroots support is one of the factors contributing to its recent losses in Johor and Negeri Sembilan polls. He noted that many supporters and those involved in the 1998 Reformasi movement feel sidelined since PKR joined the government. Tian Chua explained that these individuals initially felt marginalized once the party was in power and perceived that the party no longer needed them after it entered the government.

Consequently, they started distancing themselves from the party and losing their enthusiasm. Tian Chua said the issue is not only limited to veteran party members or the old guard but also affects many ordinary supporters who feel the party no longer needs them after being part of the government. He stressed the importance of reigniting their interest and making them feel that this movement belongs to them.

Tian Chua believes that the key lies in revitalizing their enthusiasm and making them realize that the movement is also theirs. He also highlighted that the concerns of Chinese and Indian voters are not sufficiently addressed by PKR, while Malay voters see the party as too accommodating and not protecting what they consider their rightful Malay interests.

"Ultimately, the party is trapped in the middle and cannot satisfy anyone," he said. However, Tian Chua noted that PKR must remain consistent in advocating for principles that transcend ethnic lines, even if such an approach may not always garner support. He also cautioned against introducing last-minute measures solely for electoral purposes, as many might view them as a gimmick and reject them. Tian Chua urged the party to start from the bottom and rebuild its relationship with the people.