Friday, August 1, 2008

Tribute to Wan Azizah Wan Ismail


Datuk Seri Wan Azizah

In September 1998 her husband was arrested, charged in court for abused of power and jailed. Although the main charge then was sodomy but it doesn’t stick, so they put him in on power abused. They thought Datuk Seri Wan Azizah will break down and fade away alongside his jailed husband.

But all the calculations and predictions were wrong, she fought like a wounded warrior. She even retained the Permatang Pauh seat when all the other PKR candidates went down on the BN onslaught in 2004. When the powerful ruling party was laughing at her seemed hopeless battle she kept her course with dozen of faithful lieutenants. Of course in 2008 she created history when PKR became giant killer and the Pakatan Rakyat almost outruns the BN at the Federal Level and captured five states. She became the first women opposition leader. She may be a reluctant politician but very good at it.

You may hate Anwar Ibrahim but it's difficult to dislike this woman. In fact she will become a legend in Malaysian history for a woman who not only stand by his husband but fight on against the mighty ruling party. She was more then a loving wife that gave up her seat for her husband, but a woman who willingly sacrifice her tears, blood and power for the love of the family. Right or wrong this hero deserved to be applauded and recognized as a testimony to women success in overcoming tremendous challenge in life and politics.

18 comments:

cakapaje said...

Salam Dato',

Its the reluctant people who are normally the real heroes. This is much unlike those who are gung-ho and claim themselves as such.

There is a saying which goes "Pick the leader among you from those who do not seek office. And do not pick those who does". If I am not mistaken, that is from a hadith but can't be sure.

Lee said...

Hi Jaflam, yes, SHE is really something. There was even an article about her here before...a lovely woman and mother who became a force to be reckon with in Malaysian politics.
I bet her name alone gives nightmares to certain parties.
May the Force be with her. Lee.

jaflam said...

Salam Shah,
She was not drowned with the power/position but rather the responsibilities that have to be accomplished with it.

Again she was willing to handover the power/position with ease. So far I have not seen any study been carried out on her, may be because she is in the opposition?

jaflam said...

Hai Lee,
Thanks for dropping by. She seemed to be more famous abroad then at home.

Just imagine if Anwar has a wife with different principles and courage then her. He might still be in jail or came out with no platform to launch his crusade.

The good aspects of her need to be studied and published for the reference of women and society.

Kak Teh said...

She has had more than her fair share of problems and challenges in life. How she copes and manages without flinching, even once, in public is certainly somehting. A true woman of substance and I salute her when I say this.

cakapaje said...

Salam again Dato',

Just to apologise for using the wrong salutation to you at my reply to your comment.

jaflam said...

Salam Kak Teh,
You are right she never complained but always firmed in her struggle. Despite not being vocal and aggressive she managed to gain the respect of seasoned opposition leaders like Datuk Sri Awang Hadi, Karpal Singh and Lim Kit Siang

jaflam said...

Salam Shah,
Not to worry just called me jaflam aja in future, lagi mesra.

Ydiana said...

Hi Dato'

Yes, this woman fully deserves to be saluted. Her sacrifices, challenges, bravery, strength...not many can equate that. I was just thinking about her this morning. I mean, reaally..thinking about her and her plights.
Thank you for recognising her!!

Kerp (Ph.D) said...

not much a fan of anwar but back then i was one of many of his sympathisers. then wan azizah came into the fore and i thought back then, her courage were admirable. she deserve some kind of recognition, like Woman of the Year award. but who are we kidding, right? her status as Oppo-leader does not mean a thing to some quarters. i'm sad, not for her but for these bunch of people's narrow-mindedness.

jaflam said...

Hello Ydiana,
Despite her political difference with BN, there are so much in her that needs to be studied. She portrays the opposite of many leaderships attributes but then still became an effective leader. Perhaps she had successfully used all the strong characters, brains and brawls around her to fulfill the PR mission and objectives.

She should be studied independent of the political biasness, for the benefit women progress in leadership and society.

jaflam said...

Hai Kerp,
Hope you have recovered and back on firing zone.

For a democratic system to function and flourish we need a good opposition as much as excellent ruling coalition. The check and balance is vital to ensure the country progress and the citizens are not taken for a ride. I personally feel that the two party system that developing in Malaysia will be good for the nation. But the Rakyat must intervene when too much politicking at the expense working and governing for nation progress occurred.

Unknown said...

Hello Jaflam,

Indeed she is a special lady. True sense of the word, a woman with substance. I have spoken to her once before & I found her level headed & most of all intelligent.

Her steelness of determination is to be emulated and applied in all areas of our life.

jaflam said...

Hai Ruby,
Good to have you back, you have been quiet in the cyber space for sometime.

I have not met her before but your comments on her, points to the same conclusion regarding her true characters and traits.

Unknown said...

Hello Jaflam,

Wish me luck. I am trying to turn around some projects. But I will pop over every now & then for sure. Sorry, lah agak senyap, but too much on the go of late.

jaflam said...

Hai Ruby,
Now I understand your absence better, must be interesting turning around projects.

You need to audit the health & current issues of the project. Develop strategy and plan that is practical, reasonable and achievable. Put up positive team & buy in from employees. Implement the change for success.

I am sure you will do it well and my best wishes to you as always.

Chahya said...

Oh, I salute this woman...ibarat lilin..(a special kind though, the ones that dont melt easily)..
True, political beliefs aside, it is difficult to dislike this iron lady.

jaflam said...

chahya, she will be a living example of sacrifice and struggles to Malaysia women now and in future.