KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita PKR has been reminded to remain true to the party’s cause and not chase after positions despite Pakatan Harapan having won Putrajaya.
The movement’s deputy chief Haniza Talha said this while opening the 13th Congress of the party’s Women’s Wing here today.
“This spirit needs to be there. Positions and spoils should not be what we are after. The struggle must continue to 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 while referring to the party and Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the May 9 polls.
Haniza said that the women’s wing focused on giving a voice to the voiceless to ensure the wellbeing of women in Malaysia.
“We teach women not to bow down and give, and to speak up in the event that their rights are challenged,” said the Selangor State Executive Councilor.
She drew on the party’s role in highlighting a slew of issues while being the catalyst for various initiatives to empower women.
This, among others, included the exploitation of Penan girls, child marriages, domestic violence, and women’s involvement in socio-economic development.
Haniza said that in 2008, Wanita PKR called for a 30 per cent quota of women as decision makers.
“That was landmark in the Malaysian political landscape as before that no one dared bring up the motion,” added Haniza.
She further said that the quota was later extended to women’s leadership in various sectors of the federal and state government, local councilors and the corporate field.
“We will continue to make a difference to women in Malaysia by speaking up. And this is a legacy that will be continued by the next line-up of leaders,” added Haniza while wrapping up the opening that was also the wing’s policy speech.