JOHOR BARU: The new line-up of party leaders should prioritise efforts to strengthen the party, including dispelling any rumours, says PKR Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek.

"The most fundamental thing in any team is to address misunderstandings, negative assumptions and rumours.

"We must ensure our focus is directed towards strengthening the party, staying grounded in its ideology and continuing our forward-looking agenda," she said in her closing speech during the PKR Wanita Congress here.

She said this was a crucial step to ensure party unity is preserved.

Fadhlina, who is also Education Minister, urged the incoming women's wing leadership to continue the party's existing women empowerment initiatives.

"Whoever is appointed must carry these programmes forward and improve them.

"The new leadership must be given the time and space to focus, because we are entering a very crucial period to build and strengthen the party as a united team before the next general election," she said.

Fadhlina, who is in a straight fight against Rodziah Ismail for the PKR Wanita chief post, also apologised for any shortcomings during her two-year stint.

She also said that some 1,265 delegates had voted as of 4pm on Friday (May 23).