‘DON’T FORGET BASIS OF OUR FIGHT’
Do not betray people’s trust, use power to implement reforms, says Anwar
PKR members should not forget the basis of their fight and struggle after gaining power, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said.
Anwar, who is PKR president and prime minister, said to move forward as a successful nation, all party members must not betray the people’s trust and implement reforms for a mature democracy.
“Don’t ever forget the basis of our struggle. I have said that power will always be captivating. But remember the basis of our fight.
“Do not use power to gather riches. Don’t use power to erode idealism, and don’t breach trust. We have the power to implement reforms. Malaysia is mature enough for democracy.
“We need to be mature as a democracy and this is a unique experience because not many Muslim-majority countries pride themselves in being a democratic nation,” he said at the PKR 25th anniversary celebration on Saturday night.
Anwar said for Malaysia to succeed, people must respect and honour the rights of every citizen, including fair representation for all races.
“During the Kuala Kubu Baharu by-election, racial and religious issues kept being brought up. This cannot happen in a Muslimmajority country like Malaysia, where most of the members of parliament are Muslims, but the rights of the Chinese, Indians, Kadazan, Iban and Dusun to have representation are denied.
“PKR will continue to uphold the Constitution and for Malaysia to be a peaceful and successful country, every race needs to have fair representation.
“Even though we are continuously attacked with narrow-minded racial sentiments, we will not waver and continue to fight for free and independent policies.”
Anwar gave his assurance that Malays and Bumiputeras will not be poor or left behind when other races were fairly represented.
He said the talents of young leaders need to be polished and they must be ready to continue the struggle, as many of those who founded the party, including Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, were growing old.
Anwar said the young generation of PKR should not forget the principles of party’s 25-year struggle since its establishment.
“The people (in the past) fought without reward, without the promise of a position, but solely through sacrifice. I hope the new generation will not forget their service.”
PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the party’s 25th anniversary celebration was a forum for reformers old and new to pledge their commitment to the party's struggle.
“This is something that everyone is looking forward to. We have been in this struggle for 25 years. It was not easy for us going through the knocks and thorns during the period.
“Throughout this journey, there were those who left the party earlier, but there are also those who have remained loyal to the party for the past 25 years. So this celebration is also a recognition of them.
“We also do not forget the old fighters who, although they may be in other places now, are still remembered for their struggle and services, even though we are now different,” he told Bernama.
He hoped that loyalty to the party would be a guiding principle for all members and people’s welfare would remain a priority.
PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil said efforts to rejuvenate PKR, which is now 25 years old, need to continue by ensuring that every party policy, programme and activity met the aspirations of today’s youth .
He said to ensure more youths were interested in the party’s struggle, talented young leadership needed to be highlighted.
“We will strive to better understand the hearts of young people, especially in the current situation, where rapid changes are happening with the development of artificial intelligence technology and changes in the way we work” he told Bernama.