Nurul Izzah: Proud of you Papa, but the struggle has not ended

 

When Anwar Ibrahim was sacked in 1998 over allegations of sexual misconduct, which he claimed were fabricated, his eldest daughter Nurul Izzah found herself thrust into the limelight.

The then 18-year-old student joined her father in his struggle for justice and was crowned “Puteri Reformasi” (princess of the reformasi movement).

She and her mother, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (above, centre), remained on the frontlines throughout Anwar’s tumultuous political career, during which he was beaten and incarcerated twice.

Now, the 42-year-old mother of two is witnessing her father going from prison to Putrajaya after the Conference of Rulers agreed to name him as the 10th prime minister following a political impasse due to a hung Parliament.

Sharing her thoughts on Instagram with an iconic photograph of Anwar (above, left) from his first court case, Nurul Izzah (above, right) reminded her father that the struggle is not over. 

“In this life, we cannot escape tests. When we lose, we are tested, and when we win, we are tested as well.

“What is certain is that from 1998 until this second, it is incumbent upon us to hold on to the struggle - to demand justice not just for ourselves but to serve as a conduit for the protection of all,” she added.

Pointing to the challenges ahead, Nurul Izzah said after Anwar is sworn in as prime minister, the focus should be on uniting the nation, scrutinising the economic problems, attracting foreign investments and addressing other pertinent issues.

“I love you, Papa. Am always proud of you - even as you lay imprisoned as a prisoner of conscience.

“The legacy we leave behind for our children and future generations is not wealth or titles but idealism and principles, which cannot be bought,” she added.

For Nurul Izzah, the 15th general election is a bittersweet episode. 

While her father’s long wait to become prime minister has ended, she was defeated in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in Penang, which has been in the family’s control since 1982. - Mkini