Johor bahru: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that he would not sign any election nomination papers if he was not confident that a party branch was in a good and stable condition. Anwar, who is also the PKR president, said the matter was important as the struggle of the party that has gone through various challenges and internal strength is the main basis in determining success.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar emphasized the significance of internal strength in ensuring the success of the party. "This is about the struggle of the party. We have gone through the tumultuous struggles, but in the end, internal strength is what determines," he said when speaking at the Johor Keadilan Convention here today. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil who is also PKR information chief, PKR vice president Datuk Seri R. Ramanan, and Johor Keadilan State Leadership Council (MPN) chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa.
He highlighted that the record in Johor demonstrated the party's strength when it managed to win many parliamentary seats, showing that the true measure of strength is the support of the people. The Prime Minister stated that candidate selection must be carried out carefully and through negotiations with coalition partners, including Pakatan Harapan (PH). However, the party's stance cannot be compromised despite facing weak performance in some states.
Anwar emphasized that branches not performing well should refrain from claiming seats and instead focus on strengthening the grassroots machinery. "We know that in elections, talking can be great, theories abound, strategies sophisticated, but if the strength below is par, we will fail," he said.
He also reminded that positions such as branch head, women's head, or youth head are not guaranteed to become candidates. "It is not automatic. Those who become candidates are those who work with dedication and are able to win the party," he stated.
Recalling the tough challenges the party had faced in the past, including disruptions and attacks during ceramah, Anwar reminded party members not to become complacent due to current comforts. "We have been stoned, blocked, and expelled, but now we no longer face that situation. However, the spirit must not fade away because of a sense of comfort," he added.
Anwar concluded by stating that the party needed to continue setting a good example and remain a reformist party with integrity to maintain its position and the people's trust. Earlier, Zaliha mentioned that the party had identified 28 potential state seats to contest in the upcoming Johor State Election, which is expected to be held soon.