KUALA LUMPUR – PKR’s top leadership will introduce a new voting mechanism that will see appointments for certain positions decided by delegates from the party’s branches.
According to sources, this new system would come into play when PKR decides on new party positions during the first quarter of next year.
It is understood that the decision was made at a PKR’s leadership council meeting on Saturday, despite opposition on the issue among some party leaders.
However, when senior PKR members were contacted to confirm the matter, they said there was a “gag order” in place.
In an article published by Scoop on Saturday, several PKR leaders including secretary-general Fuziah Salleh confirmed that the party is looking at possibilities to amend their internal party voting system.
Party treasurer William Leong, meanwhile, also suggested that PKR’s current “one member, one vote” has deficiencies which must be rectified while maintaining the organisation’s democratic principles.
Central executive committee member Raiyan Abdul Rahim also echoed similar sentiments pointing out that PKR intends to ensure better representation among the party’s grassroots.
However, she also took the personal view that the party’s top six positions should be directly voted by members, while the central executive committee could have a delegate system.
Not all party members wanted to do away with the “one member, one vote” system, with Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim advocating for the mechanism’s democratic nature.
Yesterday, during his address at the opening of the Perak Keadilan Convention, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim highlighted the urgency for PKR to hold party elections without further delays, which was decided at the party’s political bureau meeting on Saturday.
Anwar, who is prime minister, said fast-tracking the elections would foster collaboration between the younger generation and experienced leaders, allowing them to effectively manage the party together.
He also said a postponement is unnecessary as there is still time before the 16th general election.
“There is a need to nurture a new generation (of leaders) among youths and women. They must be afforded more opportunities, including at the branch level. Therefore, we should consider expediting the party elections, but not in the chaotic manner of the past.
“It must adhere to established regulations. We are currently reviewing (the election mechanism),” he said. – October 27, 2024