Hati Tisu Culture Will Only Hurt Pkr Youth Says Deputy Chief Candidate

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A PKR Youth deputy chief hopeful has warned against a supposedly growing culture of “hati tisu” (over-sensitivity) within the wing, amid brickbats against the party’s incumbent deputy president Rafizi Ramli.
Contrary to views expressed by several PKR Youth potential office bearers earlier today, national PKR Youth exco member Arshad Hassni said criticism from Rafizi, who is also the economy minister and Pandan MP, should be viewed as encouragement for improvement.
He asserted that “defensively” responding to Rafizi’s remarks could weaken PKR Youth’s internal unity.
“We must not normalise a ‘hati tisu’ political culture where every critique is treated as a personal attack.
“It is even more concerning when criticism of a candidate is used as a reason to drag in other names within PKR youth, including branch leaders, merely to build a misleading perception,” Arshad (above) said in a statement today.
He added that the rakyat, particularly the youth, are keeping an eye on the wing’s conduct and maturity as it navigates a new era of politics.
“Unfortunately, we are still seen as mired in petty internal polemics, rather than offering fresh ideas, political courage and solid strategies to win over young voters ahead of the next general election.
“I urge all quarters to refocus on PKR Youth’s true mission to strengthen the party, win the rakyat’s trust and showcase credible new-generation leadership (instead of) being trapped in internal drama, tarnishing the dignity of our movement,” he added.
Disappointed candidates
Earlier, a slew of PKR Youth candidates expressed their disappointment over Rafizi's apparent attack against PKR Youth incumbent deputy chief Kamil Abdul Munim, who will run unopposed for the chief position in the party's upcoming election.
PKR incumbent deputy president Rafizi RamliAccusing Rafizi of coming after Kamil, who is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's aide in his capacity as finance minister, with "negative claims and disparagement", they also lamented that Rafizi has "belittled and underestimated" PKR Youth’s efforts.
They said this in a joint statement endorsed by Selangor PKR Youth chief Izuan Kasim, Arshad’s sole contender for the PKR Youth deputy chief post.
The statement was also supported by six vice presidential candidates and 49 central committee aspirants.
Yesterday, Izuan urged party leaders against dragging the party’s youth wing into the PKR deputy presidential contest after Rafizi accused the current youth leadership of lacking the energy and resolve displayed by their predecessors.
Rafizi faces a straight fight with Nurul Izzah Anwar for the PKR deputy presidency. The party's central leadership election will be held on May 23 in Johor. -Mkini

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