PKR falling into ‘Umno trap’, analysts say as Indian representation declines
They compare the present situation with PKR’s original purpose of opposing Umno’s 3R narrative.
(MalaysiaNow) – At its inception as a political entity some 20 years ago, PKR touted itself as a party that would represent all of Malaysia’s many ethnicities, unlike the race-based Barisan Nasional (BN) components of Umno, MCA and MIC.
But questions have since arisen about its claim to multiracialism, especially in the wake of its recent central leadership council election where hardly any Indians were appointed despite their sizeable membership numbers.
The list of council members showed a clear inclination towards the camp led by PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, with 12 Malays and seven Chinese in the line-up.
Hans Isaac was the only representative from the Indo-Eurasian community. There were no representatives from Sabah or Sarawak.
Analyst and consultant R Paneir Selvam said PKR was meant to oppose the so-called 3R narrative championed by Umno of race, religion and royalty.
Speaking to MalaysiaNow, though, he said it instead appeared to be going down the same path.
