KUALA LUMPUR: PKR deputy secretary-general and Hulu Selangor division chief Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan has announced his bid for the party’s vice-presidency today.
Dr Sathia said the decision was based on a sense of responsibility and readiness to serve in order to strengthen the reformist struggle.
“I offer myself not out of desire for the position, but out of duty and readiness to serve,” he said in a statement.
He also called for those involved to contest honourably, warning against smear tactics and betrayal that could damage the party’s credibility.
“We must not tarnish our own leadership for personal gain. Constructive criticism is the foundation of internal democracy, but slander and baseless accusations are poisons that corrode the roots of our struggle,” he said.
Dr Sathia said PKR was built through the sacrifices of ordinary people and that members would not tolerate enemies within who exploited the party for personal gain.
He also reminded members that the formation of the unity government under party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was the result of years of reformist struggle.
“Do not let that spirit be extinguished by rhetoric or narrow political games,” he said, adding that loyalty, especially in difficult times, was the true measure of one’s commitment to the party.
He said that grassroots members were the backbone of PKR and their trust should not be betrayed by actions that weakened the party from within.
While welcoming competition, he said it must be based on ethical conduct and shared purpose.
“Our goal is not to bring each other down, but to strengthen PKR,” he said.
He reminded candidates not to forget the legacy of past leaders, calling for a focus on unity, service and principled leadership.
“Contest with honour, because the people are watching to see who is sincere in the struggle and who is merely chasing victory,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
