Anwar: 'Lawan tetap lawan', but don't fight among friends

PKR AGM | PKR president Anwar Ibrahim officiated his party's annual congress today with a message of rapprochement, two days after his deputy Azmin Ali did the same.

Anwar said that the party's unofficial Lawan tetap lawan (never give up the fight) slogan doesn't mean that they should fight among themselves.

"Look. We are a team. When we say lawan tetap lawan, it doesn't mean lawan with your friends," he said. 

"This is our party. We have suffered, we've been on the streets and (eventually) we have been supported by the rakyat.

"The big tycoons are not with us. The only thing we have is our desire for justice. We were never the wisest nor the wealthiest.

"We only had spirit and ambition. We broke through and fought for justice, for the people." 

Anwar's comments came a day after a raucous PKR Youth congress which saw two rounds of scuffles.

Deputy PKR Youth chief Hilman Idham and his supporters sat out of the afternoon half of the congress citing security concerns as some of his supporters were attacked.

Anwar and Azmin's relationship had thawed in recent days after a year-long cold war. Today marked the first time they have shared a stage in over a year.

Meanwhile, Anwar said it was acceptable for the party leaders to come from different schools of thought, but it should not be allowed to split the party.

"I admit I have weaknesses and shortcomings. I will fix what I can. As for my friends here and throughout the country, we must pursue the reform agenda.

"We can have different schools of thought, but we can't have factions that will split the party. I welcome (the recent meeting) with all party leaders," he said.

On Pakatan Harapan's humiliating defeat at the Tanjung Piai by-election, Anwar said there was a lesson to be learnt.

"Take this as a reminder for all Harapan leaders. The public is the one who gives the mandate. (We cannot be) overconfident. We cannot go over our heads. We must help the people," he said.

Anwar also paid tribute to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad for his willingness to listen to all Harapan leaders. - Mkini