Concern as PKR mulls ‘no contest’ for top party posts

(MK) – Aliran is disappointed that PKR is considering barring contests for its top two leadership positions in its May election.

The party’s international bureau chair, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, has indicated the proposal emerged from internal discussions and party consultations.

Such a proposal contradicts democratic principles that this reformist party is expected to uphold.

As a leading party in the Madani coalition government, PKR has to demonstrate to its coalition partners and the people of Malaysia its genuine commitment to democratic practices.

Preventing contests for top posts could effectively deny party members their right to periodically choose their leaders. This restriction would also hamper the party’s natural democratic process of renewal.

Having open contests for top party positions allows competent leaders with fresh ideas to emerge and potentially guide the party to new achievements.

By considering such restrictions, PKR risks emulating other parties that have prevented leadership contests. It would fuel the perception of leadership insecurity and even creeping authoritarianism.

Having elections for top party posts is precisely the sort of practice that PKR should embrace rather than avoid.

Source : MalaysiaKini