Moving Beyond Identity Politics: PKR's Call for Performance-Based Governance

PKR has called for an end to identity and racial politics, instead urging a greater focus on performance-based politics and economic recovery to improve people's well-being. PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is discharging the duties of the deputy president, said identity politics was merely a "zero-sum game" that would bring no benefit to the country's future.

"Do not fight in the arena of identity or racial politics because there are no winners there. We urge the people to evaluate us based on performance-based politics, namely economic performance and their well-being. Our politics is about making the 'pie of prosperity' bigger. We do not need to take away anyone's rights to ensure that our children are well fed," he said when delivering his winding-up speech at the 2026 PKR National Congress at the Melaka International Trade Centre (MITC) today.

Accepting Malaysia's Diversity

Saifuddin Nasution, who is also Home Minister, stressed that Malaysia's racial diversity is a reality that must be accepted and should not be used as an instrument to sow fear among the people. "Malay identity, Islamic identity, Chinese identity, Indian identity, Sabah identity and Sarawak identity are all part of the reality of Malaysia. There is nothing wrong with identity. The problem arises when identity is used to create fear," he said.

His remarks come at a time when racial and religious rhetoric has become increasingly prominent in Malaysian politics. Saifuddin's call for a shift away from identity politics reflects a growing recognition among some political leaders that the country's future depends on unity and collaboration rather than division. The challenge, however, lies in translating this vision into actionable policies that resonate with the diverse Malaysian electorate.

Three Key Priorities for the Madani Government

In this regard, Saifuddin outlined three key approaches that the Madani Government and party leadership should focus on. The first is driving economic growth ("grow the pie") through the concept of "making the pie of prosperity bigger" so that its benefits can be enjoyed by all segments of society. This approach emphasizes the importance of creating economic opportunities that lift all Malaysians, regardless of their background.

The second approach is to channel assistance based on the people's actual needs regardless of skin colour (need-based). This represents a departure from policies that have historically been perceived as favouring certain racial groups. By focusing on need rather than ethnicity, the government aims to ensure that assistance reaches those who need it most, reducing inequality and improving social welfare.

The third priority is to continue the good governance agenda and combat corruption that causes losses to the nation's coffers. Saifuddin emphasized that tackling corruption is essential for restoring public trust and ensuring that government resources are used effectively for the benefit of all Malaysians.

Addressing the Real Threats

Saifuddin also stressed that the real threat to any community is not the presence of other races, but poverty and social problems such as drug abuse that damage the younger generation. This perspective reframes the debate on national unity, focusing on shared challenges rather than perceived differences. By addressing these issues, the government can build a more cohesive and resilient society.

He said all party members must step up efforts to spread the success stories of the Madani Government and give particular focus to young voters ahead of the next election. Engaging young voters is crucial for the party's future success, as this demographic increasingly shapes the political landscape with their demands for transparency, accountability, and meaningful change.

A Call for Unity and Action

Saifuddin's speech at the PKR National Congress was a call for unity and action within the party and the broader Malaysian society. By rejecting identity politics and embracing performance-based governance, PKR is positioning itself as a party that prioritizes the well-being of all Malaysians over divisive rhetoric.

The challenge for the Madani Government will be to translate this vision into tangible results that resonate with the electorate. Economic recovery, need-based assistance, and good governance are ambitious goals that require sustained effort and collaboration across all sectors of society. However, if successful, these priorities could lay the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous Malaysia.