KEPALA BATAS – PKR does not want fair-weather members but needs those who will remain committed to the party in good times and bad, party advisory council chairman Datuk Seri Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said.
The former party president, who launched the Kepala Batas PKR division’s election machinery at the Seri Malaysia Hotel today, said commitment is needed because PKR’s reformation agenda will take time.
“There will be setbacks and victories. But what’s important is the commitment of our members to be with us through good or bad times. Do not simply desert us when the going gets tough. We do not need such persons,” she said.
She spoke of her own perseverance as party president while her husband Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in jail.
“When I took up the president’s role, I was tired of running here and there. I had to run around the country and then visit him (Anwar) in prison.”
She said she had even wished to swap places with Anwar just so that she could rest for a moment.
“Anwar then shared about overhearing the anguish and wailing of a drug addict in a nearby cell experiencing withdrawal symptoms from not using narcotics.
“Anwar has sacrificed a lot. He does not tell the family much about his imprisonment ordeal, but we know he has gone through a lot,” Wan Azizah said of her husband who is now PKR president and opposition leader.
She also said whether Anwar becomes prime minister or not would be decided by fate.
“And if not, Anwar’s struggle is simply to sustain the need for reforms.”
Speaking to reporters later, Wan Azizah who is presently the Pandan MP, said it is up to the party leadership to decide if she should contest in the 15th general election.
She has previously stated her desire to retire from politics since Anwar was out of jail and is now leading PKR.
Wan Azizah also included a visit to the Permatang Pauh constituency, where her daughter Nurul Izzah is MP, after launching the Kepala Batas PKR election machinery today. – The Vibes, September 11, 2022