Tian Chua questions the validity of Anwar’s ‘reformasi’ legacy
AS Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim gears up to defend his presidency in the PKR polls slated for May, a pressing question looms over his decades-long Reformasi movement: Does reformasi remain relevant now that Anwar holds power?
Former PKR Vice President Tian Chua argued that while Anwar faces no internal party challengers, his real test lies in convincing the public of PKR’s core struggle post-governance, which is its decades-old campaign for reforms.
“After becoming the government, is the reformasi we championed still meaningful?” Tian Chua asked, urging clarity on abandoned issues to maintain public trust, adding that these are issues that the party members should discuss.
“The people want to see whether leaders are defending their positions or if candidates contesting are clarifying the issues that PKR previously fought for. For example, if matters are no longer being championed, they need to be explained so that the people understand,” he was quoted as saying by Sinar Harian.
Echoing this, former Johor PKR chairman Hassan Abdul Karim agrees Anwar’s leadership is unchallenged, stating, “No one in PKR today has the stature to contest him.”
Yet, Karim warns Anwar’s biggest challenge is grooming a worthy successor, a potential flaw after 25 years leading PKR. Both leaders see Anwar’s presidency as secure, predicting no shift in the Unity Government’s cabinet regardless of the polls’ outcome.
Still, the reformasi question lingers—has Anwar’s ascent diluted the movement’s fire, or can he redefine it to match his promises from years of opposition? — March 15, 2025
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