The 2026 PKR National Congress opened on August 14 at the Melaka International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, Malaysia, and continues today August 15 [1, 2, 3]. About 2,500 delegates and 3,000 observers from across Malaysia are attending [1, 2, 3].

The congress began with conferences of PKR’s youth and women’s wings, officiated by deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar [1, 2, 3]. Diplomatic representatives from the US, China, Japan, and Australia, as well as local political party leaders, are present [1, 2, 3].

The congress theme is “Memugar Reformasi, Membina Madani” (Revitalising Reformasi, Building Madani) [1, 2, 3]. Key debate topics include the economy, education, and political stability, with 16 speakers representing states and party wings [1, 2, 3]. Several government ministries and agencies are participating to provide information and services, including the National Registration Department, Immigration Department, Royal Malaysia Police, and Registrar of Societies [1, 2, 3].

Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry’s Karnival Rahmah Mega is being held alongside the congress and is open to the public [1, 2, 3].

Party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is officiating the congress and is scheduled to deliver a policy speech today outlining PKR’s strategic agenda and reform plans [1, 2, 3]. Anwar said, "Political stability has been achieved, national security is assured and the economy is growing strongly. Now, we will press ahead more firmly with the reform agenda" [4].

He cited reforms such as amendments to the Audit Act 1957, Parliamentary Services Act, Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023, the establishment of a Special Task Force on Agency Reform, and new laws like the Consumer Credit Act 2025 and Gig Workers Act 2025 [4, 5].

Anwar reminded party leaders that holding government posts does not guarantee superiority and urged them to reconnect with the grassroots and listen to people’s grievances: "You are ministers; that does not necessarily mean you are the best... Listen, make the necessary adjustments and be prepared to change" [6]. He emphasized that Sabah and Sarawak remain central to the national development agenda [7].

Anwar announced urgent government changes will be unveiled starting late August, in preparation for the tabling of the 2027 Budget in early October [7].

PKR information chief Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Anwar may make announcements as early as August 16, including abolishing the Universities and University Colleges Act (AUKU) to give students greater freedom [8]. Delegates are also discussing restoring the monthly RON95 petrol quota under the Budi95 subsidy scheme from 200 litres to 300 or even 500 litres [8].

Party leadership is receptive to grassroots proposals and acknowledges that despite strong macroeconomic growth, benefits have yet to fully reach households, Fahmi noted [9, 10]. The government’s economic growth projection for the quarter is up to 6% according to Bank Negara [7].

The Bill Kayong Award will be given to five families honoring deceased party members who served with dedication [1, 2, 3].

The congress continues today with Anwar’s policy speech setting the direction for PKR's reform agenda and strategic plans [1, 2, 3].