She reminded them to prove they were different from the previous Barisan Nasional government and to genuinely work for the good of the people.
With tears in her eyes, Wan Azizah, said: “Don’t believe in talk of betrayal from within and outside of the party as this is aimed at disrupting the party’s peace. Focus on working to effectively implement the mandate given by the people.”
Officiating PKR’s 13th Congress at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) here, she said: “I want to take this opportunity to emphasise that PKR will continue to support the leadership of prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and stand by the agreement made between the Pakatan Harapan component parties, that is to also endorse the leadership of (incoming PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim as the prime minister-in-waiting.”
Saying she had tried her best to lead the party in the absence of Anwar, Wan Azizah apologised for past mistakes.
“What I want to emphasise in this last address is that, we, as reformists, have to be different from the previous regime which we fought against.
“Don’t let the people end up saying, ‘Ah.. (this) just the same as before..’ If this happens, looks like our struggles and sacrifices all this while have gone to waste.
“Prove that we are better, prove that the people made the right choice, prove that we can carry out the mandate effectively and let the people feel our presence in the community,” she said.
Wan Azizah also expressed hope the new party leadership would place emphasis on political education and training of leaders, starting from the PKR Youth and Wanita wings.
“This will be able to guarantee that PKR, in each stage, will remain strong,” she said.
The PKR Congress continues with party delegates debating on the outgoing president’s address.
Yesterday, PKR elected its new Youth chief Akmal Nasir and new Wanita chief Haniza Mohamed Talha.