PKR has to be more courageous and be determined to boost its image in the perception of the public, said Wanita chief Zuraida Kamaruddin.

wanita pkr congress agm 280510 The party, bogged down by the defection of 10 of its parliamentarians and state assembly representative, has to develop the perception of  being the leaders of Pakatan Rakyat in the eyes of the people, she added.

"To lead changes, we should be respected by friends and foes," said Zuraida ( left ), in her opening speech at the party's Women congress today.

"At this point, our party is being greatly challenged by the government apparatus and all other organisation in their grip.

"Although attacks are being launched from every corner, and especially focused on highest leadership, we continue to attract the trust of the people," she said.

Referring to dectors as “premature babies”, Zuraida boasted that none of the women PKR leaders followed suit.

"PKR is a new party and is susceptible to giving births to premature babies. Those who stay with the party are special ones while those who left are immature people," she said.

PKR must be at the fore

Despite its dwindling numbers in the Dewan Rakyat, PKR must continue its role as the glue that binds Pas and DAP in a formal coalition, adds Zuraida.

wanita pkr congress agm 280510 “Before, Pas and DAP were not able to see eye to eye. Both parties were at the extreme end. But when we all joined forces, Anwar (Ibrahim) managed to unite everyone, as a stabiliser and mediator. We would like the trend to continue,” said she said.

Following the March 2008 general elections, PKR was the largest party in the Dewan Negara opposition bloc but they are now the second largest party after a string of defections.

However, there are no attempts to unseat Anwar as the opposition leaders.

Zuraida said PKR must reform itself into a cohesive and strong unit in order to achieve its plans to “save Malaysia” and ultimately take over the federal government.

“As the main party that has been entrusted by our colleagues to lead the Pakatan Rakyat, we should be confronting this challenge dynamically and creatively,” said the Ampang MP.

'Puteri title insulting'

Meanwhile, the Wanita congress also saw the launching of the wing’s Srikandi (female warriors) rebranding efforts and launch of its new logo.

“They refuse to be called puteri (princess), because they don't want to be associated with Puteri Umno wing,” said Zuraida.

Srikandi chief Siti Aishah Shaikh Ismail said that title puteri (princess) was belittling and in Umno they are “used” as tools to entice voters during by-elections.

“We are in the front-line and our voices and opinions are also considered by the main body,” said Siti Aishah.

The unit was launched last year, comprising of 500 members below the age of 35.

We won't chase you away, PKR tells Utusan