Kuala Lumpur (May 28) - Veteran PKR leader and Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Abdul Karim has expressed deep concern over the party’s current condition, describing Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) as “injured, wounded and severely hurt” amid a wave of resignations and defections linked to the newly revived Parti Bersama Malaysia.
In a strongly worded statement shared on social media, Hassan said the party was facing one of the most difficult periods in its history, warning that continued internal divisions could threaten its long-term survival if corrective action is not taken.
According to him, the situation within PKR has become increasingly worrying following the departure of several members and leaders who have chosen to align themselves with Bersama, a party now associated with former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli.
Hassan said the developments reminded him of the political turmoil surrounding the 2020 Sheraton Move, which saw several PKR lawmakers leave the party and contributed to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan federal government at the time.
Using a medical analogy, the veteran lawmaker said PKR was currently in a weakened condition and required urgent attention.
He described the party as suffering significant internal damage, warning that without immediate efforts to address its problems, the situation could worsen and affect the party’s future electoral prospects.
Hassan also acknowledged that he no longer actively attempts to persuade dissatisfied members to remain in the party, unlike during previous political crises. He said age and changing political realities have led him to take a more reserved approach, even as he continues to support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani government.
Despite his concerns, Hassan stressed that he still believes in PKR’s reformist struggle and hopes the party can recover from its current challenges.
He argued that the party’s ultimate test would come during the next general election, where voters would determine whether PKR remains relevant as a major political force or faces a decline in public support.
The comments come at a time of heightened uncertainty within PKR following Rafizi’s exit from the party and the growing attention surrounding Bersama. Reports have indicated that thousands of membership applications have been submitted to the new political platform, including applications from individuals previously linked to PKR.
Political analysts have noted that while the defections do not immediately threaten the federal government’s parliamentary majority, they could affect PKR’s internal stability and its preparations for future elections.
For Sabah, developments within PKR are being closely watched given the party’s role within the federal unity government. Any significant shifts in the national political landscape could influence future cooperation between Peninsular-based parties and regional political blocs in Sabah, particularly as discussions surrounding state rights, development priorities and electoral alliances continue to evolve ahead of the next general election.
The latest remarks from Hassan highlight growing concerns among some long-serving party figures that PKR must address internal dissatisfaction and rebuild confidence among members if it hopes to maintain its position as the backbone of the current administration.