Five PKR figures honoured with posthumous awards

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim delivers his speech at the opening of the 2026 Keadilan National Congress at MITC in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, August 15, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Saturday, 15 Aug 2026 4:20 PM MYT

MELAKA, Aug 15 — The contributions and sacrifices of five PKR figures were honoured posthumously at the 2026 PKR National Congress here today.

Four received the Bill Kayong Award, while the fifth was awarded the Dr Syed Husin Ali Pejuang Rakyat Award, introduced for the first time in recognition of the late Syed Husin’s contributions as a PKR founder and advocate of social justice.

The Bill Kayong Award was presented to the late Sapiah Zaini, former Miri Women’s chief; the late Hasbul Syafiqi Hasbullah, Keadilan Penang working secretary; and party activists, the late Syafiq Ali Abdullah@Abang Mani, and the late Muhammad Shahhanaz Nazarudin.

The award, named after the late Sarawak activist Bill Kayong, recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to the party’s struggle and grassroots work.

Syafiq’s older brother, Ahmad Sulaiman Selvarajah Abdullah, said the recognition meant a great deal to his family and strengthened their resolve to continue supporting PKR.

“…we are extremely happy and deeply honoured by this recognition of his immense contribution to Keadilan and the reform movement from the party’s founding in 1998 until today,” he said after accepting the award.

Hasbul Syafiqi’s mother, Normala Ghazali, said her son, better known as Black, had helped many friends in Penang and was known by party members across the country for always being willing to lend a hand.

“This recognition shows that many people still remember and cherish him to this day. To me, Black left this world having made a meaningful contribution to others,” she said.

Former senator Datuk Mustafa Kamal Mohd Yusoff, better known as Pak Mus, received the Dr Syed Husin Ali Pejuang Rakyat Award in recognition of his dedication and contribution to strengthening the party’s electoral machinery and understanding of election operations.

Meanwhile, the Tawau branch in Sabah took first place in the Highest Membership Registration Award, with the Bukit Gantang branch in Perak finishing second and the Indera Mahkota branch in Pahang third.

The number of new Keadilan ranting (sub-branches) rose to 1,354 this year, up from 520 last year, indicating increased grassroots participation among party members.

In the State and National Highest Number of Ranting Competition, Putatan branch in Sabah took first place, followed by Tanah Merah branch in Kelantan in second and Bangi branch in Selangor in third. — Bernama