Trick Lama: Tian Chua & Xavier Jayakumar are back in PKR — Can they revive Reformasi?

Tian Chua and Dr Xavier Jayakumar are returning to PKR, decades after being part of the party’s Reformasi journey. But why now? As PKR looks towards its next chapter – and GE16 – Anwar Ibrahim has opened the door for former leaders and veterans to come back.

With political tensions within the party, the departure of key figures and questions over PKR’s direction, the return of its old guard raises a bigger question: What can Tian Chua and Dr Xavier bring back to PKR? Is it experience? Grassroots connections? The spirit of Reformasi? Or a reminder of what PKR was originally built to stand for? Can the old guard help strengthen PKR, reconnect with voters and rebuild the party ahead of the next general election? And perhaps the bigger question – is PKR bringing back its veterans because the party needs them, or because it has lost something along the way?

In this episode of Trick Lama, Tian Chua and Dr Xavier Jayakumar reflect on their return to PKR, the party they helped build, what has changed, what has been lost, and what they believe they can contribute to its future.

Guests:

Tian Chua, (Former PKR Founding Member and Vice President)

Dr Xavier Jayakumar (Former PKR Founding Member and Vice President)

Hosts:

Terence Fernandez (Group Editor In-Chief, Big Boom Media)

Datuk Zainul Arifin (Group Chief Executive Officer, Big Boom Media)

Datuk “Rocky” Ahiruddin Attan (Group Advisor, Big Boom Media). – August 30, 2026