IPOH: PKR deputy president candidate Nurul Izzah Anwar kicked off her first official roadshow with a spirited address in Perak on Saturday (May 10) night.
Speaking before a large crowd of party members and supporters at a hotel here, Nurul Izzah called for unity, grassroots empowerment, and continued reform efforts within the party and government.
“This time, I have decided that I am throwing my hat in the ring.
“This is my party. I love this struggle. I want to ensure the power of women unites this party,” she said.
Nurul Izzah reflected on her long journey in politics, stating that she first contested for the vice-president's post in 2010.
“I didn’t expect to run, and I was very young. It has been 15 years already.
“I remember when I first contested in a general election, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was in prison. People in the villages came out, with the 'makcik' giving me RM5, some gave their gold rings
“So I remember the past sacrifices made by supporters and party members, and we need to honour their legacy by strengthening party machinery and staying close to the people,” she said.
Speaking about her experience running as a candidate in general elections, Nurul Izzah said that at the time, the party lacked candidates, and she wasn’t sure if she would win.
“But in 2008, the wave came, and I had to run. I thought two weeks of campaigning wasn’t enough against Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (now Tan Sri), who was very popular then, before the NFC scandal.
“But the people gave me their votes, and I was shocked. Women usually play supporting roles, not the main heroine,” she said.
Nurul Izzah said the party was born from the streets, and that it was never meant to be easy, but the struggles have always been for justice and the people.
She said the party’s programmes must remain relevant, not just to show that it is a special party, but to show that it can deliver what the people need.
“These are the agents of change. That’s why some people say, 'I want to vote for Keadilan. No other party is like it.
“We want unity. We must not sideline anyone. You learn the best lessons if you’re willing to listen. No leader can solve everything without a strong, smart, brave team,” she said.
She said the general election was not far away, and if the party did not win, she questioned how it would serve the people.
“So when we are in the party, we must be aware of people’s issues. Our laws, policies, and services must improve.
“We need not only capable leaders but ones who also respect the elderly and value experience.
“So as a candidate for the deputy president's post, I am only strong with a team,” she said.
