In keeping with multiracial agenda, PKR keen to sign up more Chinese members
As PKR celebrates its 15th anniversary, the party today unveiled plans to increase the number of Chinese members in its ranks.
Party secretary-general Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said PKR had 500,001 members comprising 50% Malay, 25% Indian, 15% Chinese and 10% Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputera.
"There is no question that it is a proud achievement for PKR… a truly multiracial party which encompasses all the races in Malaysia.
"However, there is a need to focus on the Chinese and increase the number of members in the party so that it is equal to other races in PKR," said Saifuddin (pic, top right).
"PKR is in a unique position where it can offer leadership and activist training with emphases on racial unity and a Malaysian perspective."
Saifuddin then unveiled a four-pronged approach which the PKR leadership needed to undertake in order to encourage more Chinese to sign up with the party.
He also said that getting the support of the Chinese community was important for the future of the party and they are targeting 50,000 new Chinese members in the next five years.
"We will also be increasing the distribution of Suara Keadilan (Mandarin version) to twice a month with 50,000 copies printed."
Asked why PKR was making this announcement now with the party polls just around the corner, party strategy director Rafizi Ramli said it was actually the right time.
"Now is the time for PKR leaders to articulate their vision and plans for the party as elections are on the horizon," he said.
"Even if the Chinese were to sign up to join PKR now, they cannot vote in the upcoming party polls as there is a one-year cooling off period."
Rafizi said for now, there was no need to worry about support from the Chinese but that could change in a heartbeat.
"The political landscape can change and we do not want to wait until the last minute to fight for Chinese support."
Ideally, PKR would like Chinese representation to be on the same level as the Indian members in the party (25%).
He said it was not possible to win seats in the general election without the considerable support of all races in Malaysia.
Rafizi said PKR was unique because it was not a party based on one race but was multiracial, which offered opportunities to all races.
"PKR would like to invite more Chinese, especially young people, to participate in mainstream politics to change the political landscape in Malaysia," he added. – April 23, 2014.
