PKR will field only the best candidates at the coming general election irrespective of whether they are from the Youth or Women wings, said Anwar Ibrahim.

The PKR president said looking back at history, the party has had many young leaders who had stood out in Parliament and as assemblymen.

“Our assessment is still the same. In the end, we will choose the best candidates. It could be from the Youth or Women wings.

“And now within the Youth groups, there are many who are showing capability and eligibility,” he said at a press conference at the party’s headquarters today.

He had earlier welcomed former student activist and lawyer Asheeq Ali Sethi Alivi, former student leader Adam Adli Abdul Halim and activist Sarah Hadi into the PKR fold.

He said the party was vetting through candidates from its various committees for the next general election.

“We haven’t come to a stage where we have chosen (candidates). However, the participation of the youths in (GE15) is high.

“Our focus now it to mobilise our (election) machinery,” he said.

PKR Youth chief Akmal Nasir said the three youth activists who had signed up with the party represented 20 other young activists who had agreed to join the party.

“This shows that Anwar still is popular with the youths. These individuals also bring their own experience and influence to the party,” he said.

Asheeq said it was a difficult decision to jump into politics, but youths need representation in politics.

“The voice of youths should not be isolated or ignored in politics.

“These youths must not be shunned by political leaders. We need drastic changes.”

Adam said that PKR is a multiracial political platform that, although it may not be entirely perfect, it is in line with the political determination that he believes in.

“The long history of this party – from the Reformasi movement to the struggle under Pakatan Harapan as it stands now – has sparked many possibilities and changes for the country.

“I believe, of course, it is still far from over.  There is a future we can light together, and there is room for change we can fight for together.” – September 16, 2021.