Tears Flow As Mother Of Reformasi Wan Azizah Opens Pkr Congress

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Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail could not hold back her tears as she delivered her final speech as PKR president at the party's national congress today
"I am a bit emotional today because this is my last speech (as president)
"Tomorrow will still come and tomorrow will still bring with it more support," she said during her opening speech at the 13th PKR National Congress held at the Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC) in Shah Alam
Wan Azizah started tearing up when she spoke about the beginnings of the Reformasi movement and the trials and tribulations it had experienced since then
"Don't trivialise the Reformasi movement. A fight without idealism will eventually be destroyed
"We are fighting for truth and justice, and every drop of sweat, every cent that is spent, every second we sacrifice for the fight is due to the idealism of the struggle and not for certain leaders, positions, status or material things
"That is why we do not have to fear anyone but Allah," she said
She also spoke through her tears as she recalled those who had been with the Reformasi movement since 1998 and who were insulted, beaten and jailed, among other things
Wan Azizah became emotional again as she spoke about those she described as "unsung heroes", who have remained loyal to the party despite never obtaining any positions within the party
In her swan song as party president, she also stressed that they have to strive to do better than the regime they fought against for two decades
"Our approach and behaviour has to be different and better than what it was previously
"Don't let it get to the point where the rakyat can criticise, 'Oh, it is the same as before'
"If this happens, then our fight and sacrifice all this while will be for naught," she said
In closing her speech, she said she was now handing over the party to the new leadership at a time when the party was at its best
"I have tried my best all this while to lead the party and I apologise for any mistakes I have done
"Today, I hand over the party... to the new leadership. Please take care of this responsibility," she said
The crowd gave her a standing ovation as she ended her speech, and a group of supporters held up signs that read, "Thank you, Kak Wan"
Wan Azizah had led the Reformasi movement and later on helmed PKR since the arrest of her husband Anwar Ibrahim in 1998
She will now be passing the baton to Anwar, who won the party presidency uncontested after he was pardoned by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in May this year. - Mkini

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