The 'reformasi' agenda championed by Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) for the past 20 years has not been wasted when it was lifted as a national agenda to form the New Malaysia, the party's de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim said.

He said he appreciated the move by Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who had accepted the party's struggles.

"The 'reformasi' is not a street agenda but it had moved from a street agenda right to Parliament and Putrajaya.

"No one can describe my feelings when Dr Mahathir himself spoke of the 'reformasi'.

"Dr Mahathir was so committed in implementing reforms in the national system, which have been spoilt and need to be changed," Anwar said at the Malaysia Baru oratory session in Shah Alam last night.

Also present were Economic Affairs Ministe Mohamed Azmin Ali; Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin and Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari.

Anwar who is also the Member of Parliament for Port Dickson, said he had agreed to choose Mahathir as the prime minister to repair the damage done in the previous government system.

He also reminded party leaders and members to not compromise with regard to any power abuse.

"When we compromise with (the) devil, we will never succeed," he added.

- Bernama