IPOH: PKR has reiterated its commitment to strengthen its cooperation with Umno and Barisan Nasional (BN).
Its president, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the prime minister, said this was discussed during the party's political bureau and leadership council meeting last night.
"The machinery must be strengthened. Of course, we must continue our relationship with Umno and BN in the peninsula and make it even closer," he said in his speech at the Perak PKR Convention at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel here today.
Among those present were Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Saarani Mohamad, Perak DAP chairman Nga Kor Ming, PKR vice-chairman Chang Lih Kang and Parti Amanah Negara vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Mujahid Yusof Rawa
Also in attendance were Kuala Kangsar member of parliament Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid and Bukit Gantang member of parliament Datuk Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal.
Anwar said that during the meeting, he also stressed that the party's election should be sped up, as the next general election is still far off.
"Secondly, there are internal party matters (discussed in the meeting). The party needs to focus on building the next generation.
"Among the youth and women's wings. We must create space for young people. The branches should do the same.
"We must consider the possibility of expediting party elections, but not with the previous disorder and chaos; it should follow more precise regulations. We are currently studying this, but the decision is to expedite the election," he said.
Anwar said that he did not agree with delaying it, as the general election is still far away.
"It's better to manage the party to provide opportunities for new energy to work alongside more senior members. I hope we agree on this.
"If we ask the branch leaders, they don't need to worry, as they remain unchanged. Even the presidential position can be challenged in elections.
"However, that's the spirit of discussion - to allow members to express their views. This will be further explained by the new PKR secretary-general, Fuziah Salleh, who will discuss it with our colleagues," he said.