PKR will emerge stronger, says Tian Chua
By Hawkeye, Free Malaysia Today
PENANG: Tian Chua, who is a pioneering member of PKR, expects the party to emerge stronger after it concludes its landmark grassroots-based party polls by November. Despite having to put up with the rigours of campaigning and various allegations, Tian Chua said PKR is poised to create a strong enough momentum to prepare the party for the next general election after it finalises the election process.
Dismissing claims that PKR may witness another exodus from the party if the losing candidates become disgruntled, he said it is an exercise which all political parties must undergo.
Tian Chua, the party’s strategic planning director, said this election, a first in the country, would allow party leaders to gauge sentiments’ from the ground first-hand.
It is hailed as a landmark electoral process because this is the first time that PKR has opened up the election of its office-bearers to all 400,000 members. Previously, only 1,000-plus delegates had the right to decide the fate of the party.
Based on the ongoing nomination process and campaigning, Tian Chua said PKR would be able to feel the pulse of the grassroots members by opening up the election to practically any aspirant. Besides, it can also sense what the ordinary folks, who are also voters, want from PKR
“All active members would feel a sense of belonging to PKR as they are now involved in selecting their leaders,” he said.
Tian Chua, who has qualified to contest the deputy president post, said he is now waiting for more signals from the ground before he makes up his mind on which post to contest.
“I may perhaps go for the deputy president post or settle for an appointed one,” he said.
He said the campaigning is healthy despite reports of intense rivalry, adding that such a preception was based more on media hype than the actual situation in the party.
Deck of cards
Denying that he is now effectively sidelined by newcomers such as former MCA vice-president Chua Jui Meng or deputy president contender Zaid Ibrahim, Tian Chua said he welcomes the injection of new leaders as it would keep the party fresh.
Tian Chua is seen by political observers as being pushed aside nowadays, but because of his pioneering status in PKR, the original “reformasi” activist is seen as one of the several “untouchables” of the party.
It is a distinction he shares with secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and fellow street demonstrater N Gopalakrishan.
It now depends on which deck of cards Tian Chua will shuffle when it comes to which national position he is eyeing for.
His pioneering status as a party leader would give him the edge against some candidates. He is seen by many to be allied to the liberal movement of PKR, whose poster boy is the outspoken Zaid.
On the many hiccups which were encountered during last weekend’s divisional-level nominations and during the annual general meetings to elect divisional leaders, Tian Chua said it was natural as this is the first time that the party is expanding the election format to all members.
He expects the issues to be resolved before the next round of nominations this weekend.
