MELAKA, Aug 16 — Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim told party delegates today that he chose to put the people first, amid growing internal censure against the party’s unity government ally Barisan Nasional.

Speaking at this year’s congress, Anwar said any decision regarding PKR’s cooperation with BN and Umno must not be driven by anger, but instead treated carefully through what he described as political “wisdom” that ultimately puts national interests above partisan conflicts.

Still, Anwar suggested the party will not hesitate to langgar — a Malay term for engaging in battle or demolishing a foe — if PKR or Pakatan Harapan is forced to.

“With regards to Umno-BN, whatever the decision it cannot be based on our disappointment or anger,” the PKR president said in his winding-up speech, amid boos and jeers towards Umno from delegates on the floor.

“It must always be driven by public and national interests. You may say they (Umno-BN) care less about the people, I say we must care. Because we should be the rational one, and there must be wisdom and insights.

“The pact of the unity government would not have been possible if not for wisdom, without the realisation and utmost love for the country,” Anwar added.

Anwar succeeded in keeping the uneasy alliance with rivals Umno stable since the two formed the so-called unity government in 2022, but the relationship was said to have soured after the Malay nationalists’ decided to team up with Perikatan Nasional at the Negeri Sembilan state elections.

The alliance is also seen as the source of PKR’s internal friction, which had led to acrimonious departure of several senior politicians. 

At the same time, PH’s strongest component member by seat size, the DAP, is also reviewing its position after the party suffered one of its worst electoral performance in Sabah, Johor and Negeri Sembilan since 2008.

Today, Anwar reiterated his position to keep the PH-BN alliance alive until the coming general election, again citing stability and “prosperity” as the main motivation. The PH chairman also said his personal relationship with Umno president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi remains “strong”.

“If you ask me this is my choice. But what is their choice let them answer,” he said.

“And we as a party that fights (for the people) we are always ready regardless,” Anwar said.

“If we must langgar then we will langgar but as I said earlier, by being rational and full of wisdom we must protect this unity because at the personal level my ties with Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi is still very strong.”