Haniza: Stay true to the struggle

United front: (From left) Haniza with Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin and Haniza’s deputy Dr Daroyah Alwi at the PKR National Congress for the Wanita wing at the Ideal Convention Centre.

SHAH ALAM: Newly-elected PKR Wanita chief Haniza Talha has reminded her colleagues to stay true to the party’s struggle instead of pursuing positions after it took over Putrajaya.

“The spirit must be here. Positions and spoils should not be chased after, but the foundations of the struggle must be pursued.

“Even though we are now part of the government, we will carry out this responsibility by ensuring that all ideas can continue to be realised,” she said in her opening remarks at the PKR National Congress for the Wanita wing at the Ideal Convention Centre yesterday.

Haniza also reiterated calls for unity within the party to push forward the reformasi agenda.

“This is the time for us to unite in order to carry out the reformasi agenda.

“Through unity, we can take PKR Wanita to greater heights,” she said.

Haniza added that the wing had given a voice to the voiceless by defending the interests of women in Malaysia.

“We were taught to never bow down and retreat.

“In fact, we will speak louder if the well-being and rights of women in this country remain challenged,” she said.

Haniza listed out the wing’s achievements which included highlighting several issues such as the exploitation of the Penan women, child marriages, domestic violence and women’s involvement in the socio-economic development.

She said their role in highlighting the Penan women exploitation issues had not only gotten the attention of the ruling government but also globally.

Haniza also stressed that the wing would continue to speak out on the issues.

“There are no taboo issues for PKR Wanita.

“As long as Malaysian women are affected, PKR Wanita will continue to speak up,” she said and pointed out that PKR was the first party in the country to call for a 30% quota of women as decision-makers in 2008.

“It is a landmark call in Malaysian politics because there are no parties that are brave enough to bring up this matter to the public.

“Although we haven’t achieved the target, we are proud to see some good and significant improvements in ensuring that women aren’t left behind as the country develops,” she said.

The three-day congress ends tomorrow.