Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) held its National Congress 2026 at the Melaka International Trade Centre on August 15-16, bringing party leaders and delegates together to discuss reform agendas and leadership renewal [1, 2, 3]. Malaysia Prime Minister and PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivered the presidential policy speech on August 15, covering reform achievements and reaffirming the ongoing Reformasi agenda [4, 3].

Anwar stressed that PKR must continue as a mass movement dedicated to integrity, social justice, unity, and public trust—not merely a vehicle to win elections. He posted on social media a day before the congress that the party must uphold these values to serve the people [1, 2, 3]. He concluded his speech with prayers for success, saying, "May Allah SWT bless all our efforts for our beloved homeland, Insya-Allah" [1].

Under Anwar’s leadership, PKR has pushed through reforms including amendments to the Audit Act 1957, the Parliamentary Service Act, and the Public Finance and Fiscal Responsibility Act 2023. The party also set up a Special Task Force on Agency Reform and enacted consumer credit and gig worker legislation [4].

PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa emphasized the need to prepare a future generation of leaders to succeed Anwar, warning against waiting too long for leadership transition. She said, "Who's next after Anwar? Don't wait until one day the president says it is time for him to step aside, and only then do we start looking for someone ready. By then, we will be too late" [5].

Another vice-president, Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, described the party as in the "final wave" of nearly 30 years of reform struggle, urging continued delivery of lasting political and democratic changes. He highlighted the importance of maintaining PKR's multiracial identity and unity to keep the reform agenda relevant [6].

PKR Youth chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim called on elected representatives to strengthen grassroots ties to build support and convey the party’s ideals ahead of upcoming elections [7].

The congress theme was "Memugar Reformasi, Membina Madani" (Revitalising Reformasi, Building Madani) [1, 2, 3].

In other political developments, Penang Pakatan Harapan (PH) held a Leadership Council meeting chaired by Penang PH chairman Chow Kon Yeow. They agreed by consensus among component parties DAP, PKR, and Amanah to continue cooperation with Barisan Nasional (BN) in the Penang state government, including one executive councillor seat for BN. Chow said, "After hearing the views of each party, the PH Leadership Council reached a decision based on the consensus of all parties within PH... So there is no issue regarding that decision" [8, 9, 10]. Nevertheless, DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng suggested holding another internal meeting of Penang DAP delegates to reassess support for UMNO’s role in the state government [8, 10].

On August 15, Sabah-based Parti Kesejahteraan Demokratik Masyarakat (KDM) withdrew support for the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-led state government, citing the need to rebuild grassroots trust ahead of the general election [11].

BN leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin urged BN and Perikatan Nasional to negotiate a nationwide seat allocation formula for electoral cooperation and be willing to compromise. He said, "If we want to cooperate, it cannot be a matter of pick and choose. If we look at the bigger goal, we need to sit down, compromise and make concessions" [12].

Tomorrow, the PKR National Congress will conclude its sessions, finalizing resolutions on the party’s reform agenda and leadership succession plan [1, 3].