NEW PKR Wanita chief Haniza Talha is confident she can raise women’s voice at the national level despite not having any post in the federal government.

The Lembah Jaya assemblyman is also positive that her wing, which is dominated by Selangor members, can provide fresh ideas.

“Although we are state-level leaders, we are always moving forward on any issue. Wanita PKR will be coming up with new ideas.

“I think it is not a problem (of not holding any post at the national level). We will influence the party’s views and stance. Post is not an issue but (if there is), it gives an advantage. Not having a post will not stop us from achieving objectives that empower women,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

Haniza has been an assemblyman since 2008 – the first two terms in Taman Medan and now, Lembah Jaya.

The Perak native is an architecture graduate from University of Sheffield, UK, and was appointed deputy speaker of the Selangor assembly in 2008.

Political analyst Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said Haniza has a huge challenge ahead as the wing’s new chief to carry out the national agenda.

“The Wanita wing needs a national icon because it is made to be a benchmark in the people’s eyes. Is the Wanita chief now (Haniza) able to carry the image like Rafidah Aziz did for Umno?

“Can she be as popular as Nurul Izzah (Anwar)? Haniza has to be the group’s voice and bring it to the national level,” he told The Malaysia Insight.

Haniza, however, is popular with the party’s grassroots, largely due to her expanded influence throughout Selangor through her welfare programmes in the past three years.

“She is active in welfare programmes nationwide as well. We will also have a tour to listen to women’s voice,” said Wanita member Syarul Ema, also known as Ratu Naga.

The Kedah Wanita PKR deputy information chief predicts the wing under Haniza will voice out issues just as it was under her predecessor, Zuraida Kamaruddin, who is now one of the vice-presidents.

“Wanita PKR has been independent from the beginning. I am confident Haniza will be able to be the women’s voice and will be vocal in criticising,” she said. – November 19, 2018.