As PKR grapples with departures, Anwar makes fresh appeal for estranged old friends to return

PKR delegates attend the party’s 2026 National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, amid president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s plea for the party’s estranged veterans’ support once more. — Bernama pic

By Malay Mail

First Published: Saturday, 15 Aug 2026 4:58 PM MYT

AYER KEROH, Aug 15 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today appealed to former PKR leaders and members who have drifted away from the party to return, while apologising to those who may have felt sidelined.

His call comes as PKR faces a series of internal tensions and recent departures, including former Subang MP Wong Chen who quit the party earlier this week, while former leaders Chua Tian Chang and Dr Xavier Jayakumar were seen at the party’s national congress here today.

“Otai-otai... please return,” Anwar was quoted by news portal Malaysiakini as saying in his policy speech at the PKR National Congress 2026 at the Melaka International Trade Centre here.

Otai-otai is Malay slang for ‘old hands’ or veterans.

“For my other friends, who may have felt a little marginalised – if we have made any mistakes, I apologise. Return to the path of our struggle,” Anwar added.

Anwar’s appeal for reconciliation comes ahead of the next general election, with PKR also facing questions over its electoral performance following setbacks in Johor, Sabah and Negeri Sembilan.

Earlier today, PKR Women’s information chief Ginie Lim posted a photograph of herself with Chua, better known as Tian Chua, and Dr Xavier at the congress, marking a notable reunion of former party figures.

Chua was sacked from PKR after contesting the Batu parliamentary seat as an independent in the last general election, while Dr Xavier resigned from the party in 2021 after supporting then-prime minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

Wong, who served PKR for 17 years, resigned from the party on August 10 and joined Bersama, which is co-led by former PKR leaders Rafizi Ramli and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.

PKR is also dealing with uncertainty over its deputy presidency after Anwar’s daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar sought to resign from the post, with the party instead placing her on indefinite temporary leave and assigning her duties to vice-president Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Nurul Izzah has since reiterated her intention to step down, saying she plans to pursue further studies and focus on commitments outside politics.

In Negeri Sembilan, PKR retained only two of the five state seats it previously held despite contesting 16 constituencies, including former menteri besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, who lost his seat.

Six PKR state division chiefs subsequently wrote to Anwar seeking a review of Aminuddin’s leadership following the result.

The party’s recent setbacks and departures have added pressure on Anwar to strengthen internal cohesion as PKR prepares for the next electoral contest.