SHAH ALAM: PKR leaders who hold government posts have been cautioned against resting on their laurels and letting their lofty positions get to their heads, as the rakyat can boot them out if they fail to perform.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said that Pakatan Harapan’s (PH) tenure in administering the country, which has reached its eight-month milestone, has a long way to go.
As such, the former PKR president urged party leaders with senior positions in government to be mindful that power is a responsibility, and that they should not dilly-dally in serving the rakyat.
“Take a listen to the advice and woes of the people who want change. Let us not (become arrogant like) the previous government. (Their attitude) led to their downfall. It is more important that our victory translates into fulfilling our promises to the rakyat.
“We have entered the eighth month of (administering) the country. We do not have a lot of time, only four-plus more years, to prove to the rakyat that we are able to (fulfil our promises).
“We are the ones who will educate the rakyat to be politically savvy; to make them aware of their right to speak up and defend their rights.
“So if we do not perform, the people’s power will determine where we stand in five years’ time,” she added.
Dr Wan Azizah was speaking during the PKR 2019 Gala Dinner at the Midlands Convention Centre here to celebrate the New Year and Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who became party president in November last year.
Among the attendees were PKR vice-president Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar and Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.
Dr Wan Azizah added that PKR has been through a lot after PH took over Putrajaya – the freeing of Anwar from jail, party elections, and state by-elections.
She said that these experiences should make them more mature as leaders.
“(We must be mature) in facing internal party problems – what more to handle challenges out there. The rights of the people must be upheld, and the country must be returned to its glory days. We must not have personal agendas – (the only agenda we should have is helping the) people,” said Dr Wan Azizah, who is also Women, Family and Community Development Minister.
Meanwhile, in his speech, Anwar reminded PKR members of the importance of keeping the party in order.
“The party must have discipline. The act of mocking one another in meetings, that is okay. But if one wants to continue to ‘main wayang’, please stop it. I will not tolerate any breach of rules and discipline in the party. I ask for everyone’s cooperation.
“Alhamdullilah – (this) has been resolved. Now is the time for us to cooperate and strengthen the party,” he said.
The Port Dickson MP also said he supports Bersih 2.0’s call for amendments to be made to election laws to bar politicians from using government machinery to campaign in elections.
“I agree with this. Now, there is a directive that ministers cannot campaign (using the government’s machinery). This must be adhered too,” he said.
On another matter, Anwar said that he is satisfied with the explanation given by Senator Bob Manolan Mohamad, who had allegedly threatened Orang Asli tok batin (village chiefs) that they risk not being paid their salaries if they fail to support PH in the Cameron Highlands by-election on Jan 26.