Stay true to party’s cause, urges new Wanita chief

SHAH ALAM: Wanita PKR has been reminded to remain true to the party’s cause and not chase after positions despite Pakatan Harapan having won Putrajaya.

Its newly-elected chief, Haniza Talha, said this at the opening the 13th Wanita PKR Congress here yesterday.

“This spirit must be here. We should not go after positions.

“The party’s struggle must be pursued.

“Even though we are now the government, we will carry out this responsibility by ensuring that all ideals are continued and realised,” she said, referring to Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the May 9 polls.

Haniza said the Wanita wing focused on giving a voice to the voiceless to ensure the wellbeing of women.

“We teach women not to give in and to speak up when their rights are challenged,” said the Selangor state executive councillor.

She drew on the party’s role in highlighting a slew of issues while being the catalyst for initiatives to empower women.

The issues included the exploitation of Penan girls, child marriages, domestic violence, and women’s involvement in socio-economic development.

Haniza said in 2008, Wanita PKR called for a 30 per cent quota of women as decision makers.

“That was a landmark in the Malaysian political landscape as prior to that, no one dared to bring up the motion.”

She said the quota was later extended to women’s leadership in various sectors of the federal and state governments, local councillors and the corporate field.

“We will continue to make a difference for women by speaking up.

“This is a legacy that will be continued by the next leaders.”