The Malaysian Insight

PKR Youth must be the watchdogs of Pakatan Harapan, or the government will face the fate of Barisan Nasional, which ruled without criticism.

The wing’s deputy chief, Dr Afif Bahardin, said the fear of challenging those in power was what led many in BN to remain silent even when they were uncomfortable with the allegations of corruption levelled against their leaders.

“We need to send a clear message to the leaders. Don’t treat the prime minister, or other ministers, as all-powerful, just as what we experienced these past 60 years,” he said.

“Absolute power will give birth to a monster, which is what happened before this, which led to the near-destruction of the country.

“Let’s not repeat that mistake,” he told The Malaysian Insight.

Afif, who is the Seberang Jaya assemblyman and Penang health exco, is tipped to be the next Youth chief in the party’s polls in September.

However, he declined to confirm the rumours, saying that he hopes whoever eventually leads the wing would continue to ensure that it speaks up as the “voice of conscience on behalf of all Malaysians”.

“We need to understand the problems that we faced before this. Why Najib (former prime minister Najib Razak) acted like he was in total denial that he had committed acts that were bad for the country… it’s all because he was not criticised by his friends,” he said.

“Only after Najib fell were they brave enough to speak out. That’s pointless.”

Afif said PKR Youth will also play the role of watchdogs to ensure that the government fulfils its manifesto.

“Many debates have been raised like (the issue of) underage marriages and demands for reforms.

“In my opinion, the Youth wing can play a role, not just in opposing, but going to the ground to explain the fulfilment of the manifesto.

“The Youth wing must always speak up for the youth and groom qualified leaders to lead PH.” – July 26, 2018.