Party Polls Proof That Cai Culture In Pkr On Its Way Out

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 The election results demonstrate a shift away from bloc voting, indicating that the grassroots are inclined to choose merit over loyalty to party elites, says an insider.
Despite receiving the backing of more than 200 divisions across the country, the camp of newly elected PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar did not make a clean sweep of the polls.JOHOR BAHRU: The influence of the long-standing culture of “cai” or pre-arranged leadership slates appears to be on the wane in PKR following its latest elections which saw Nurul Izzah Anwar clinching the post of deputy president in a blow to incumbent Rafizi Ramli
Although it had the backing of more than 200 divisions across the country, Nurul Izzah’s camp did not make a clean sweep.
Two of Rafizi’s allies were elected as vice-presidents, indicating a shift away from bloc voting and signalling an inclination among the grassroots to choose merit over loyalty to party elites.
“This is a clear sign that the ‘cai’ approach no longer works. Members are thinking independently, and we’re seeing the results of that,” said a party insider who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari, Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun, federal minister Chang Lih Kang, and Sungai Buloh MP R Ramanan were elected as PKR’s four vice-presidents for the 2025-2028 term.
Amirudin and Ramanan – both aligned with Nurul Izzah – secured 7,955 and 5,985 votes respectively.
Chang and Aminuddin, Rafizi’s running mates, secured 5,757 and 5,889 votes respectively.
The defeat of Rafizi, who had long voiced concern about the integrity of PKR’s election process, followed widespread losses by his allies in division-level contests – a trend which he previously cited as evidence of systemic manipulation and a flawed voting structure.
The insider nevertheless said that while Rafizi did not win, “not all of his people lost”.
“That itself says that the system was not manipulated.”
The party elections also saw a significant reshuffling of the central leadership council, with several long-time and prominent figures ousted from the top 20 list.
Those who failed to make the cut included David Cheong, Romli Ishak, Saifuddin Shafee, Fahmi Zainol, Yahya Mat Sahri, Tan Kar Hing, and Onn Abu Bakar.
“Grassroots members are calling time on old alliances and sending a message that no position is permanent. It’s back to the drawing board for everyone,” the insider said. - FMT

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