THE PKR Youth wing needs to be strengthened ahead of the next general election, with the main focus being tackling the problematic divisions, the wing’s new chief Adam Adli Abd Halim said.

He said the most important thing is identifying problems faced by the youth wing in said divisions, adding that the new team, led by him, will look into the short- and long-term plans. 

“We have identified more than 30 divisions that have issues where they face problems such as insufficient quorum, sponsors and other matters. This is especially (the problem in) the youth wing.

“The main goal is to revive these divisions, such as in Sarawak where there are a lot of divisions. Perak is doing well and Kelantan has a lot of potential with PKR coming into the fray.

“We want to give the people in these areas the option that PKR is there for them.”

He said the short-term plan is preparing for the 15th general election (GE15). 

“If we go into GE15 without addressing the issues that exist within the party, then we might get the same results as previous elections (losing seats),” he told The Malaysian Insight. 

“The long-term plan would be to focus on restoring the strength of the party after GE15 and to restore grassroots networks.”

Adam said PKR has 222 divisions nationwide, which other traditional parties like Umno, PAS and DAP do not have. 

Two former student activists – Adam and Fahmi Zainol – fought to be PKR Youth chief in the party’s May polls. 

Although official results are yet to be announced, Adam won the race when his opponent conceded defeat after trailing behind in votes.

The nofficial election tally showed that Adam was leading by 1,762 votes. 

Enticing young voters

With GE15 expected to be held soon, Adam said it is crucial that their election machinery is in place even in locations the party is not contesting. 

This would tie in nicely with his aims of having more youth be ready to serve, he said. 

“Whether we win or lose in GE15, the youth wing must be given the space to move forward in a more idealistic environment, bonding with the people. 

“That is why it is important to activate the divisions that have issues.”

Adam said the wing will also focus on serving the people and preparing party youngsters for leadership roles through party programmes.

“It is sort of a legacy that can be emulated by future youth wing leaders: to get more people prepared for leadership.

“We have just finished our party elections and I will be planning to tackle the issues after the PKR congress on July 17.”

Adam said PKR and the opposition can aim for better results in GE15 where 18-year-old voters being able to vote for the first time.

“The Undi18 voters are now more robust but we need to engage them with more discourse on the elections.

“We cannot assume that they (Undi18) will vote for any one party. We cannot expect them to vote blindly.” 

He said PKR and Pakatan Harapan (PH) must come up with fresh narratives to be able to touch the hearts of these young voters and to help them have confidence in politics again.

“That can only be achieved if we address their issues. Not just come up with an election manifesto but also strong policies. And we must implement these promises that are made (during GE15).

“We have learnt our lessons from the Johor elections and from PH’s 22-month rule as federal government. We must convince the people we are more prepared.” – July 2, 2022.