SHAH ALAM: Do not make an obsession of finding fault with others, and take good care of the party.
This was the final message of outgoing PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail in her speech to wind up the debates during the party’s 13th National Congress here today.
“I leave the party in its best position ever. We started this party from the ground up. We suffered through thick and thin.
“We must always look at the bigger picture. (If we hadn’t), Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim would not be able to work together again.
“The test given by God is more difficult when we are at our finest moments.
“Members: please take good care of the party,” Dr Wan Azizah said to the loud cheer of members in the hall at the IDCC here.
Dr Wan Azizah had led PKR since its inception following her husband Anwar’s removal as deputy prime minister by Dr Mahathir two decades ago.
In May, following Anwar’s release from prison, Dr Wan Azizah announced that she would not defend her post against her husband in the party’s recent leadership elections.
Anwar subsequently won the party presidential post unopposed and took his place as the party’s official leader after serving only as its de facto leader since 1998.
In her farewell address, Dr Wan Azizah also touched on the party polls, which were marred by glitches and allegations of discrepancies and the practice of money politics.
“It is not a perfect system. Please look into the issues raised. Carry out investigations.
“But do not be obsessed with finding fault in others, to the extent of causing a divide within the party,” she said.
As she vacated her post, Dr Wan Azizah received unanimous verbal support from delegates to be appointed chair of the party’s new Advisory Council.
The deputy prime minister also told PKR members that they should feel free to relay information on any shortcomings in the party.
“If there is anything wrong, tell me. I can relay them to the president (Anwar). I know him well,” Dr Wan Azizah said to another round of applause.
Dr Wan Azizah also admitted that the PKR leadership of many states had voiced grouses over being left out of the government machinery after Pakatan Harapan’s victory in 14th general election.
“I will look into this to find out if we can give them roles to play in the government.
“At the same time, I am aware that there are a lot of issues and discrepancies (in the government administration). Please be patient. We had only recently changed government,” she added.