Vital to ensure unity govt stands as a strong coalition, says Wanita PKR chief

PUTRAJAYA: All parties must ensure that the government of the day stands strong as a united coalition, says Fadhlina Sidek.

The Wanita PKR chief said that the strength of the unity government is not solely anchored by the strength of PKR.

“It is important for us to ensure that the unity government is a strong coalition,” said Fadhlina, who is also Education Minister, during her winding up speech of the women’s wing congress on Saturday (Nov 25).

She said it requires a high level of consensus within the unity government to resolve issues.

“We are not only negotiating with one or two parties but there are many parties in this pact which we must defend until the end of term,” she said.

She also called for delegates’ understanding, patience and commitment on the matter.

“The formula of the unity pact is that of negotiations, consensus and coalition,” she added.

Earlier, during her policy speech, Fadhlina said the target to field 30% of women candidates in elections was still a far cry, as only 12% women candidates were fielded in the state elections this year.

“Although there are several initiatives to increase the agenda of women representatives in Parliament to 30%, there are several factors which contribute to the lack of women representatives in Parliament and state assemblies, including the political ecosystem and political parties themselves,” she said.

She said it is important for women representatives to ensure better policies to protect women, children, and senior citizens, as well as gender-based policies.

“The party leadership must continue to be committed in ensuring that Wanita PKR has representatives in all election seats," she said.

She added that this would represent the voice of women, who make up half of the country’s population.

A total of 457 delegates had attended the Wanita PKR Congress, which also featured the women’s wing’s top leaders. The party’s congress kicked off with the Wanita PKR and Angkatan Muda Keadilan congresses.

This is also the first party congress held after PKR chief Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s appointment as the 10th prime minister on Nov 24, 2022. The party also marked the 25th anniversary of the reformasi movement in September.