PKR student wing claims loss of confidence in Anwar, sec-gen issues denial
B Nantha Kumar
Published: May 10, 2026 8:54 PM
Updated: May 11, 2026 10:10 AM
Barely an hour after PKR’s student wing, Mahasiswa Keadilan Malaysia (MKM), issued a statement on “losing confidence” in the party under the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, the wing’s secretary-general, Aqeef Salih, issued a denial.
Earlier, the wing issued a statement to Malaysiakini, stating that after an assessment of the party’s direction, MKM believes PKR has drifted further from its original reformist spirit.
“A party that once championed the spirit of reform, the courage to fight abuse of power, and the struggle to defend the people’s voice is now increasingly distant from its founding principles.
“It was once trusted by many youths and university students, but now we have lost confidence,” read the statement, which was also posted on MKM’s official Instagram account.
Meanwhile, Aqeef, whose statement was posted on his Facebook page, said the earlier media statement did not represent the wing’s official stance.
“The statement was never discussed, agreed upon, or decided through MKM’s official channels. It is merely the action of a few individuals within the central leadership who have their own agenda and are taking advantage of the MKM platform to create confusion and negative perceptions of the organisation.
“More embarrassingly, the statement did not include the name or position of the individuals responsible for issuing it. This clearly shows that it was made in an unprofessional, irresponsible manner and with ill intent.
“Any party truly confident in its own position should come forward openly, rather than hiding behind the name of a student organisation,” he added.
Published: May 10, 2026 8:54 PM
Updated: May 11, 2026 10:10 AM
Barely an hour after PKR’s student wing, Mahasiswa Keadilan Malaysia (MKM), issued a statement on “losing confidence” in the party under the leadership of Anwar Ibrahim, the wing’s secretary-general, Aqeef Salih, issued a denial.
Earlier, the wing issued a statement to Malaysiakini, stating that after an assessment of the party’s direction, MKM believes PKR has drifted further from its original reformist spirit.
“A party that once championed the spirit of reform, the courage to fight abuse of power, and the struggle to defend the people’s voice is now increasingly distant from its founding principles.
“It was once trusted by many youths and university students, but now we have lost confidence,” read the statement, which was also posted on MKM’s official Instagram account.
Meanwhile, Aqeef, whose statement was posted on his Facebook page, said the earlier media statement did not represent the wing’s official stance.
“The statement was never discussed, agreed upon, or decided through MKM’s official channels. It is merely the action of a few individuals within the central leadership who have their own agenda and are taking advantage of the MKM platform to create confusion and negative perceptions of the organisation.
“More embarrassingly, the statement did not include the name or position of the individuals responsible for issuing it. This clearly shows that it was made in an unprofessional, irresponsible manner and with ill intent.
“Any party truly confident in its own position should come forward openly, rather than hiding behind the name of a student organisation,” he added.
The earlier statement expressing a loss of confidence in the PKR president
Aqeef said MKM has always upheld organisational discipline, ethical conduct in its struggle, and mature democratic processes, stressing that personal views cannot be imposed as the wing’s official position without a proper mandate and collective agreement.
“MKM will never allow its student movement platform to be exploited for the political interests of certain individuals. As the student wing of PKR, MKM will always respect the institution of the president and fully support the leadership of Anwar.
“In this regard, the secretariat will seriously review this matter, including taking appropriate action against any party that has misused the name of MKM without authorisation. MKM will continue to remain focused on representing the voice of students with full responsibility, principle, and integrity,” he added.
‘Loyalty shouldn’t override principles’
The first statement, which expressed a loss of confidence in Anwar, also called on all youth members within PKR, especially students, to reassess their position.
“We urge all parties to honestly reflect on the direction of the struggle being pursued today. Loyalty to a cause should not override the courage to defend principles,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, an MKM spokesperson also told Malaysiakini that a press conference will be held tomorrow to officially announce its new direction.
“The press conference will touch in detail on MKM’s official stance as well as its next steps following the current developments involving PKR and its leadership,” the spokesperson said.
PKR had established MKM in 2012 to represent the voices of students in public and private universities. Since its formation, MKM has championed issues related to student welfare, academic freedom, and social justice.
MKM was previously known for its outspoken stance against government policies seen as suppressing freedom of speech on campuses. Several demonstrations and awareness campaigns were also organised nationwide in support of the reform agenda.
Aqeef said MKM has always upheld organisational discipline, ethical conduct in its struggle, and mature democratic processes, stressing that personal views cannot be imposed as the wing’s official position without a proper mandate and collective agreement.
“MKM will never allow its student movement platform to be exploited for the political interests of certain individuals. As the student wing of PKR, MKM will always respect the institution of the president and fully support the leadership of Anwar.
“In this regard, the secretariat will seriously review this matter, including taking appropriate action against any party that has misused the name of MKM without authorisation. MKM will continue to remain focused on representing the voice of students with full responsibility, principle, and integrity,” he added.
‘Loyalty shouldn’t override principles’
The first statement, which expressed a loss of confidence in Anwar, also called on all youth members within PKR, especially students, to reassess their position.
“We urge all parties to honestly reflect on the direction of the struggle being pursued today. Loyalty to a cause should not override the courage to defend principles,” read the statement.
Meanwhile, an MKM spokesperson also told Malaysiakini that a press conference will be held tomorrow to officially announce its new direction.
“The press conference will touch in detail on MKM’s official stance as well as its next steps following the current developments involving PKR and its leadership,” the spokesperson said.
PKR had established MKM in 2012 to represent the voices of students in public and private universities. Since its formation, MKM has championed issues related to student welfare, academic freedom, and social justice.
MKM was previously known for its outspoken stance against government policies seen as suppressing freedom of speech on campuses. Several demonstrations and awareness campaigns were also organised nationwide in support of the reform agenda.
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