Kim Quek on his first PKR Congress

Kim Quek is the pen name of a retired accountant in Johore whose real name was briefly mentioned in the papers when he joined PKR before the last General Elections.

He was so low profile that almost everyone I asked did not know his real name. A friend even thought it was Lim Guan Eng ghost writing under the name.

Anyone who has read his articles would have been impressed by his insight into some high profile cases of corruption and court cases. His knowledge of the statute and other laws suggests, in my opinion, that he could be legally qualified too.

Below is his impression of PKR congress which he attended, as published in Malaysiakini:

My first PKR congress
Kim Quek Dec 9, 08 4:46pm
(excerpts):
I attended for the first time PKR’s party congress held on Nov 29 and 30. I believe what I have witnessed is a political party that has grown into full maturity, ready to fulfill its mission to re-shape the destiny of the nation in partnership with others in Pakatan Rakyat.

Leaders from the upper echelon of the party hierarchy have not only exhibited outstanding oratorical skills and exceptional self-confidence, but have also inspired the audience with their undoubted patriotism and dedication.

And among the grassroot leaders, speaker after speaker of all races demonstrated that they have steadfastly persisted in their belief and commitment to multi-racialism and camaraderie across racial lines, despite the recent spate of provocative maneuvers by Umno to incite religious and racial sentiments to win political support.

Against such a scenario of a multi-ethnic comradeship engrossed in discourse to bring sweeping reforms to the country, I could not help but recalled the live telecast of the Umno congress two years ago, where shrills of racial rhetoric filled the hall.

I was also encouraged by the positive response accorded to party elder statesman Syed Husin Ali (deputy president) when he gave an inspiring pep talk on clean politics. That his advice to reformists not to look for returns for self but for the masses struck resonance with the audience is a clear manifestation that the grassroot leaders of PKR are already imbued with patriotism.

As for the unrealised attempt to seize power on Sept 16, for which Anwar Ibrahim has received considerable brickbats, Tian Chua (publicity chief) explained that the concept of the move has been misunderstood. He eloquently emphasised that the whole idea is not to make Anwar the prime minister, neither is it to replace the BN government per se.

It is in truth a political struggle to bring changes to a defunct political system of corrupt institutions built on antiquated ideology. He further stressed that the party does not struggle for Anwar, but Anwar was selected by the party to spearhead the movement.

And Anwar is quietly re-assuring that Pakatan Rakyat is still on course in its quest to capture Putrajaya, though this time to coincide with its mounting challenge to the incumbent power in Sarawak – a pivotal state with the most electoral seats (parliamentary: 30 and state: 71), where the people are among the poorest despite having the biggest land mass and the most abundant natural resources of the country.

As I was stepping away from the hall, I thought if I could peep into Anwar’s mind then, I should see a political warrior filled with a sense of satisfaction – that all the years of sacrifices and struggles have not been in vain, that he has successfully assembled and nurtured a political force equipped to soldier on with grit and determination, with or without his presence, towards the destination set forth in the hey days of reformasi 10 years ago.