Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR): pengrealisasian agenda reformasi, 1998-2023

The Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has now marked its 25th anniversary and has emerged as one of the most influential political parties in Malaysia. However, there is limited documentation discussing the patterns of its political struggle, as well as the roles and contributions of PKR and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim that are known to the public. The lack of scholarly research in this area has contributed to widespread confusion and misunderstanding regarding PKR. This study therefore examines the realisation of PKR's reform agenda from 1998 to 2023, focusing on three main dimensions: PKR's strategies in pursuing political reform; the role of victories in the 14th and 15th General Elections (GE14 and GEIS) in facilitating the implementation of reform; and the challenges of translating reformist ideals into tangible governance outcomes. The study is significant as it provides a systematic assessment of PKR's long-term reform trajectory and offers insights into how political strategies, electoral successes, and coalition dynamics interact in shaping the reform process in Malaysia. The research employs a qualitative design, combining a literature review, document analysis, and structured interviews with political actors directly involved in PKR's political journey. The analysis considers PKR's historical development, reform-oriented policies, and administrative experiences to evaluate the effectiveness of reform strategies across different political phases. Findings indicate that PKR employed a combination of strategies, including mass mobilisation, coalition building, use of digital media, and formulation of alternative policies, to advance its reform agenda. Victory in GE14 marked a significant turning point and demonstrated the effectiveness of the party's reform strategies. However, reform implementation was constrained by internal conflicts within coalition, the dominance of Dr Mahathir Mohamad's leadership, and the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan government in 2020. The outcome of GEIS opened new opportunities to advance the reform agenda under the Unity Government, yet political stability remained a key determinant of reform continuity. The study also identifies structural and political challenges impeding the realisation of reform, including internal party divisions, opposition pressures, coalition instability, and institutional constraints within government apparatus. In the post-GEIS context, PKR faces the complex task of balancing reform aspirations with the need to maintain the stability of the Unity Government. Overall, the study emphasises that electoral success alone is insufficient to guarantee the success of reforms without robust institutional support, integrated coalition governance, and sustainable administrative strategies.