Dr Wan Azizah to PKR members – Hold steadfastly to reform agenda
SHAH ALAM: Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail yesterday said she wants PKR to remain a party which champions the people, holding steadfastly to the reform agenda and idealism after having been given the mandate to form the government.
In what is likely to be her final presidential speech, the PKR president stressed that as a reformist party, PKR should be different from the regime which they had previously opposed, and introduce new and better approaches and practices. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim will take over as the president after the congress.
“Don’t let things be such that the people exclaim ‘Ah … they are just the same as the one (regime) before them’. If this happens, it would be most unfortunate for our struggle and sacrifice all this while. Prove that we are better, prove that the people made the right choice,” said Dr Wan Azizah in her policy speech opening the party’s 13th National Congress here.
She urged members to remain as ‘reformists’ to champion the people’s rights in line with the party’s struggle since its inception in 1999 and the beginning of the reform movement in 1998.
“Our struggle is to defend right and oppose wrong; we reject wrongdoing and welcome righteousness, we oppose tyranny and uphold justice, we protect the weak and support the brave.
“We are a party born out of sweat and tears, on the street, and not in the palace. No big figure joined us in the early days of our struggle, but we soldiered on due to our unwavering confidence in the reform agenda,” said Dr Wan Azizah, who is the Deputy Prime Minister.
In her speech, themed “Making Democracy Meaningful, Translating Reformation”, Dr Wan Azizah stressed that PKR’s struggle is not for obtaining rank or materialistic gain.
She also paid tribute to the true fighters within the party who, throughout the struggle, even quit their jobs or fell into bankruptcy to support the party, not to mention those who have been repeatedly ridiculed and sent to lock-ups.
She said that in the spirit of the ‘New Malaysia’ and in accordance with the promises and principles that the party is fighting for, it is important to ensure proper separation of powers between the executive, legislative and judiciary as well as to prevent abuse of power and malpractice.
Moving forward, Dr Wan Azizah said, she wants the new leadership lineup which will be unveiled tomorrow to focus on the political aspects, discipline and education, as well as to immediately carry out party leadership training at the branch, wing and top levels.
Commenting further on the party’s struggle, she said many reformists did not receive nor do they expect any rank or reward for their efforts.
“Since 1998, they have struggled for the party while earning a living for their families. Today, after the party has won and formed the government, they still return to their villages and stalls, struggling to survive. So, serve them fairly.
Dr Wan Azizah, who is affectionately known as ‘Kak Wan’, noted that the party is in the best position since its inception. Nevertheless, she reminded members not to let the lure of rank, power and materialism to obscure the foundation of their struggle and the party’s policies.
“Remember, this power, rank and position is a test for those of us at the top. The power and position we have are due to the struggle of every grassroots member, and our party is not made of the strength of one or two among us.
“Without those who are in front of us (ordinary PKR members) who are we at the top?” she asked, and reminded the delegates that arrogance will kill the idealism of the struggle.
She said it is important for all members to work based on the idealism and principles of justice as best as they can, as well as make PKR respected and feared by opponents.
Dr Wan Azizah said she accepted each and every challenge that came her way during the 20 years of helming the party, and that despite her shortcomings, had tried her very best. She also advised the winners of the party elections to carry out their duties well, and not sideline those who have lost.
The 13th Congress will also witness the unveiling of the party’s new leadership line-up tomorrow, with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim set to be named president after having won unopposed.
Anwar became an MP after winning the Port Dickson parliamentary byelection in a seven-cornered contest recently.
A total of 2,735 delegates, including the party’s top leadership, are attending the congress which began with the meetings of the party’s Wanita and Youth wings yesterday. — Bernama