Weary and teary, Wan Azizah says she's only mortal

The title of PKR president, opposition leader or interim prime minister candidate were never something that Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail ever dreamt of.

Having set out her path as an ophthalmologist, her role in politics was brought upon her due to her husband Anwar Ibrahim being a politician and later deputy prime minister.

However, with Wan Azizah's husband being jailed a third time, the reluctant politician has had to carry the opposition on her shoulders twice and it had certainly taken a toll on her.

Addressing the 12th PKR National Congress in Shah Alam today, Wan Azizah teared up as she noted the various trial that she has had to face.

"I'm only an ordinary human being. Love, loyalty, patience and piety is demanded (of me).

"Perhaps I've been tested a bit more than you all have, but with your spirit and support, I am still standing before you," said Wan Azizah as she wiped away her tears.

Harapan vs kleptocracy

Wan Azizah had been a leading figure in the setting up of Parti Keadilan Nasional, and later PKR following its merger with Parti Rakyat Malaysia when her husband was sacked and incarcerated by then Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in 1999.

Mahathir, who is now aligned with the opposition, was present at the congress today.

Anwar was released from prison in 2004 and Wan Azizah had gradually taken a back seat, expressing her desire to spend more time with her grandchildren.

However, that dream were dashed when Anwar was again jailed in February 2015, also on sodomy charges which he claimed was politically motivated.

Wan Azizah, fighting back tears, pressed on with her policy speech, elaborating on Pakatan Harapan and its challenges of taking on BN in the 14th general election.

She made no mention of PAS, but stressed that Harapan was the best coalition to take on the "kleptocratic" ruling coalition.

"We have achieved much success under Pakatan Rakyat. This formula will be repeated under Harapan," she said.

Heart to heart tour

Wan Azizah, who is also Permatang Pauh MP and Kajang state assemblyperson, said Harapan will also embark on a nationwide engagement with the people.

"Leaders from the four parties (in Harapan) will travel to Felda settlements, fishing villages, small towns and houses, People's Public Housing, paddy fields, customary lands and in the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak," she said.

"With our 'Heart to heart tour' across Malaysia that will take place in stages beginning July, we are confident that it will help us to come up with a complete Harapan manifesto," she said.

She said the Harapan manifesto is being detailed by the Harapan policy and manifesto committee led by the coalition's secretariat chief Saifuddin Abdullah.

"The core of Harapan's manifesto proposed by PKR will include economic, political institutions, social, welfare and employment reforms as well autonomy for Sabah and Sarawak and the unity of the Malaysian people," she said.

She ended her speech on another teary note which was followed a video of Anwar's speeches, which urged them to press on with their struggle.

The delegates responded with chants of "reformasi" while party leaders raised placards urging for Anwar to be made prime minister, although Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia leaders present appeared reluctant.

Anwar is not expected to be released until 2018 and will face a 5-year ban from politics unless he receives a royal pardon.- Mkini