{
  "id": 433366,
  "title": "Why reformist parties die around the world: Can PKR escape this tragedy? — Khoo Ying Hooi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/10/why-reformist-parties-die-around-the-world-can-pkr-escape-this",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-10T04:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Malay Mail",
    "slug": "malay-mail-malaymail",
    "url": "https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2026/08/10/why-reformist-parties-die-around-the-world-can-pkr-escape-this-tragedy-khoo-ying-hooi/230774"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Reformist parties arise due to injustice, exclusion, or desire for change, often speaking of justice, institutions, dignity and a different kind of politics. However, once they gain power, they face a paradoxical dilemma. They find it increasingly difficult to maintain their reformist stance.\n\nMalaysia's Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is a clear example of this dilemma. Born from the Reformasi movement that emerged after Anwar Ibrahim's dismissal in 1998, PKR stood against authoritarianism, abuse of institutions, corruption and political power concentration. For a generation of Malaysians, it represented the possibility that Malaysian politics could evolve beyond rules established by those already in power. However, reaching power does not equate to completing reform.\n\nThe tragedy for reformist parties lies in mission exhaustion. Initially, these parties are driven by a clear injustice or crisis, providing emotional energy. But after the enemy weakens, the question shifts from what they are fighting against to what they are building. This change poses a much harder challenge.\n\nWhen the enemy is removed, PKR, like other reformist parties, discovered that some of its greatest dangers could come from within. Prominent figures, such as Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, representing different generations within the party, left PKR, raising questions about loyalty and future political alignment.\n\nAs reformist movements transition from movements to organisations, they face another issue. Early movements depend on idealists, activists and volunteers. However, as success occurs, governing requires candidates, funding, party machinery, political appointments, hierarchies, and discipline. This shift attracts people with different motivations and expectations, gradually transforming the movement into a career-driven organisation.\n\nPKR's experience of the unity government formed after a hung parliament in 2022 further illustrates this dilemma. Anwar was required to govern alongside political forces he had spent decades opposing. While compromises were made, every necessary concession carries a political price. Governing then brings the risk of institutionalisation and normalisation. Spain's Podemos and South Africa's ANC, for instance, illustrate how governing can lead to compromise, deepening internal conflicts, and weakening the movement's distinctiveness.",
  "summary": "AUGUST 10 — There is a particular tragedy that belongs to reformist parties. They are born because something...",
  "key_points": [
    "Reformist parties emerge from injustice and desire for change.",
    "Once in power, maintaining reformist stance becomes difficult.",
    "PKR, like other reformist parties, faces mission exhaustion and internal conflicts."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Reformist parties like Malaysia's PKR often struggle to maintain their stance and distinctiveness once in power, facing internal conflicts, changing motivations, and compromises that can lead to mission exhaustion.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}