The PKR National Congress, held August 15-16, 2026, at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC), featured speeches by party vice-presidents affirming a commitment to fair politics and unity among Malaysians [1, 2, 3, 4].
PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari stressed that the position of Islam and the Malays is a core element of the Federal Constitution that deserves respect from all parties. He said, “But at the same time, we are fair to all Malays, Chinese, Indians, Christians, Buddhists and Hindus,” underscoring PKR’s approach to fairness across communities [1, 2, 3].
Datuk Seri R. Ramanan urged party leaders to reject exploiting racial issues for political gain. He said, “In our country's politics, there are parties who deliberately play on racial issues to gain votes and divide unity for their own interests. However, PKR must continue to be a party that firmly defends diversity and strongly rejects such actions.” Ramanan also warned against internal conflict weakening the party machinery and benefiting opponents, saying, “If we fight among ourselves at the top…our political opponents benefit. We must work together as one family” [1, 2, 3].
Datuk Chang Lih Kang highlighted the party’s strength lies in broadening multi-racial support rather than racial propaganda [1, 2, 3].
Vice-president Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail called for ending identity and racial politics and focusing on performance-based governance and economic recovery. He described identity politics as a “zero-sum game” with no winners and emphasized Malaysia’s racial diversity must be accepted as a reality. Saifuddin said, “Malay identity, Islamic identity, Chinese identity, Indian identity, Sabah identity and Sarawak identity are all part of the reality of Malaysia. There is nothing wrong with identity. The problem arises when identity is used to create fear.”
He outlined three priorities: growing economic prosperity, need-based assistance regardless of race, and continuing good governance to fight corruption. He also pointed out real threats to communities come from poverty and social problems rather than racial differences. Saifuddin urged voters to judge PKR based on economic performance and well-being rather than ethnic identity [4].
The speeches closed the second day of the congress, reinforcing the party’s stance on rejecting racial politics while honoring constitutional protections for Islam and the Malays. The Congress continues through August 16, focusing on uniting members behind a multi-racial, fair political agenda [1, 2, 3, 4].
