Products are made in a factory but brands are created in the mind.
It has slipped my mind who said this quote.
Nevertheless, after a quarter of a century, we must proudly acknowledge that PKR has become a recognised and ingrained name in the minds of Malaysian voters.
Together with our Pakatan Harapan allies, we have become a precise and powerful political force.
Of course, PKR and Harapan did not just emerge overnight.
It wasn’t born from Aladdin’s magic lamp but through upheavals and 1,001 intense and awful obstacles.
No bed of roses
If we look back in honesty, we’ll see that this quarter-century journey wasn’t a bed of roses.
History is the best teacher.
We learn from history, taking all lessons and boundaries so that we not only avoid repeating mistakes but also formulate forward actions.
Certainly, when we look back, immense appreciation should be given to the Mother of Reformasi, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Kak Wan), who steadfastly led the party from day one.
She faced numerous hurdles and challenges.
Leading a fledgling party that is not only difficult to sustain but especially against Umno under Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s reign - who unabashedly utilised the entire machinery to suppress and oppress - was no easy feat.
Added to that were 1,001 leadership ambiguities and a diversity of ideological backgrounds and styles.
Coupled with betrayal after betrayal and of course, when Anwar Ibrahim was put behind bars, Kak Wan also bore the responsibility of leading the family.
As far as I can recollect, during this quarter-century, even when Kak Wan led the party, she never showed signs of fatigue or disappointment.
Instead, she smiles, urging party members to remain steadfast, consistent and true to the principles and promises of the struggle.
This Mother of Reformasi is extraordinary.
Prediction after prediction
Some predicted the party’s demise, akin to Semangat 46. They predicted PKR’s burial without a tombstone and a mass “return” to Umno.
After the 2004 general election, Kak Wan became the party’s sole representative in the Parliament.
Many saw that sorrowful outcome (after the resounding victory in the 1999 GE) as the beginning of PKR’s end.
Some even sarcastically remarked that Anwar Ibrahim’s party would die a quicker death than Semangat 46.
Yet, we proved them wrong. Kak Wan proved her mettle and remained steadfast in leading, being resilient, and defending the party (and Anwar).
I believe that period marked the party’s lowest point but also served as a diving line to those who were loyal to the cause and those who had lost faith and left the party.
Under Kak Wan’s leadership with the slogan “Lawan Tetap Lawan”, the party continued to progress, albeit initially appearing somewhat hobbled by the waning enthusiasm of some.
But there were many who remained steadfast and enthusiastic alongside Kak Wan and the party.
Who can deny her spirit and dedicated contributions?
And of course, all other leaders at all levels as well as party members who remained loyal in upholding the spirit of the crusade?
Upholding the pledge from the Permatang Pauh Declaration, together hand in hand - Work! Work! Work! Fight! Fight! - tirelessly, selflessly, and with all their strength and sacrifices.
Looking back, like scenes from a fast-paced movie reel, each moment carries its own sweetness in the struggle, even as we honestly admit that it’s full of intrigue and thorny, winding roads.
Where we are today is because of the strength and perseverance of a leader, a strong woman - Kak Wan – who firmly steered the ship called PKR, and the birth of Barisan Alternatif to Pakatan Rakyat to Pakatan Harapan.
Kak Wan and all of us who have remained steadfast and certainly, millions of other Malaysians.
This proves that with the spirit of unity, honesty, sincerity, upholding trust and promises and high discipline, by the permission of Allah SWT, Anwar was appointed as PM.
This is what put us where we are today.
This writing is my personal tribute and that of my friends in the PKR’s Temerloh chapter, especially for Kak Wan, in conjunction with the celebration of PKR’s 25th anniversary.
Dirgahayu (live long) PKR. - Mkini
AHMAD NIZAM HAMID is Pahang PKR and Pakatan Harapan strategy director.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.
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