PKR, stuck in the past?

PKR does not seem to be heading in any particular direction.

It contextualises the concerns raised by some critics that Malaysia has a rudderless opposition coalition.

If PKR wants to remain relevant for at least the next decade, it should stop looking at photographs while reminiscing about the “good old days”.

It must instead look to the future with achievable programmes to differentiate itself from Umno.

One of the first things which come to mind when PKR is mentioned – after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim – is the “Kajang move”.

“Reformasi” has been bumped into third place, as “the move” which was devised by PKR Secretary-General Rafizi Ramli to serve as a launching pad to Putrajaya has propelled the opposition away from the golden prize.

The only launching which has taken place is the announcement of Pakatan Harapan, after Pakatan Rakyat blew up.

If PKR was in Umno’s position now, skippered by a leader facing shattering scandals, it could even formulate an “Alor Star move” to bring back a certain former prime minister into power.

And that is how comical the “Kajang move” sounds.

What it has done is to replace an individual – former menteri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim – instead of improving a system of governance which has relied for decades on patronage.

Kajang move aside, PKR has not been as groundbreaking in its ideas as it has during ceramahs when the “rah-rah” statements are voiced with high octane to drum up support.

Apart from its fervent belief in familial values, the jury is still out on the principles PKR stands for and what exactly are the ideas it will put into action if placed in the driver’s seat.

Ideologically, PKR propagates a social-liberal language.

Essentially, the economy should work as intended but if something goes sideways, the government will intervene to protect its people before there are job losses or the economy collapses.

Selangor would be the closest resemblance of what Malaysia could be if helmed by PKR.

Yes, the state provides water at no charge to the people of Selangor which is commendable, though it reeks more of populism than targeted to solve a water crisis.

And yes, there are some programmes which provide an idea of what a Malaysian welfare state could look like.

But the idea of social justice should not be focused on cash handouts to the working class and piecemeal solutions to a longstanding problem the middle class is grappling with.

Social justice can only be realised if such ideas are translated into practice through experimentation.

And social justice must also mean that it works for the people of Malaysia. Not just a select individual or group of people.

Former deputy prime minister and opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has done quite a bit to raise the standard of Malaysian politics, especially after he was removed from government.

His contribution cannot be denied but there are other actors which have done more than a fair share to allow for a democratic space in Malaysia, and that has to be realised too.

PKR would be better of thinking in a collective sense to garner support, which it stands to lose at the rate it is moving at.

The party has to decide with whom it would stand with in the coming years :

1) PAS.

2) Pakatan Harapan – with DAP and Amanah.

3) Ride solo.

Taking that first step is ever so important.

Because PKR can no longer try to act as the glue which holds the opposition together.

The people do not want the glue. They want a party which is credible and willing to make tough decisions at pressing times.

The good ol’ days may have been nice. But it’s the decisions taken today which determine our tomorrow. – December 9, 2015.

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insider.