PKR 25th convention kicks off with walk down memory lane

SHAH ALAM - Celebrating its silver jubilee anniversary, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail kicks off the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) convention by taking delegates on a nostalgic journey through the party's history.

The PKR secretary-general reminisced about past memories as he read letters exchanged with party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, back in 1999 when the latter was incarcerated.

Saifuddin revealed that Anwar had offered ample words of encouragement, urging members not to lose hope even during the most challenging times.

He also brought back everyone to 20 years ago on how PKR had fallen down but managed to come back stronger with the president's support.

"Back in 2004, when the party lost in the general election, no one wanted to come near us.

"In 1999, we won five parliamentary seats and five state seats.

"But in 2004, PKR won only in Permatang Pauh with only 500 majority votes," he said.

He also disclosed his defeat in the Padang Serai parliamentary seat in 2004, where he lost by a majority of over 10,000 votes.

Despite being at the lowest point, Saifuddin said Anwar remained optimistic and encouraging to the party members.

"I've never seen such an optimistic person in my life and that's what keeps us going," he said.

Twenty-five years ago, PKR was formed during the political crisis of Anwar's sacking as the deputy prime minister.