Gender, age and appearance are merely excuses used in choosing leaders in the party, state or country.

PKR president, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail said the people should be clear of the fact that qualifications, credibility and trust should instead be the criteria in choosing a leader.

“We should be clear that the leadership issue is not a matter that should be taken for granted by Islam.

“I understand and it is a norm that we have to face in leadership, either as a leader of a party which has been established for the past 15 years until now and also as a family leader during Anwar’s six years of imprisonment,” she said in her keynote address during the 10th PKR Congress at Stadium Malawati, here.

Over 3,000 delegates and observers from the representatives of the branch, State Leadership Council (MPN), AMK, Wanita and members of the Central Leadership Council (MPP) attended the Congress this time.

In her speech, Wan Azizah urged all representatives to eliminate the feeling of unhappiness which occurred during the recent party election.

“On grounds of humanity, we should bring back the good communication withing the party members and eliminate any unhappiness which occurred during the recent election,” she said.

She said delegates should also be prepared in strengthening the relationship within themselves apart from combating corruption.

She added that the cooperation between PAS and DAP is viewed as the key to a better political future.

“Pakatan Rakyat (PR) which exists today was not established on the instance of any individual and not on the needs of a political party. It exists on the encouragement and the requirements of the people of various race, religion, stake and way of life.

“As long as we hold on to this, the people will remain with us. I believe that this camaraderie will continue to provide us with the support and mandate by the people and strengthen our fight in taking over Putrajaya during the next election,” said Wan Azizah.

Wan Azizah, who is Kajang assemblyman, remains as PKR president when she won the post uncontested during the party election while Gombak MP Mohamed Azmin retained his deputy president post after defeating Datuk Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.