Wan Azizah Wan Ismail entered the Dewan Rakyat in 1999, marking the start of a legislative career that would eventually see her become the first woman to serve as deputy prime minister of Malaysia. Born in the Colony of Singapore in 1952, she transitioned from a medical background to central leadership within the country’s opposition movement.
Medical Background and Early Career
Before engaging in national politics, Wan Azizah completed her education at Kolej Tunku Kurshiah and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. She pursued a career in medicine, specialising in ophthalmology. She served as a government doctor for 14 years before choosing to leave the profession in 1993.
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Following the 1998 dismissal of her husband, Anwar Ibrahim, from his position as deputy prime minister, Wan Azizah moved into public life. She became a driving force behind the Reformasi movement and established the National Justice Party, which later evolved into the People's Justice Party. Her leadership within this party positioned her as a central figure for opposition forces during subsequent general elections.
Parliamentary Roles and Deputy Prime Ministership
Wan Azizah won the Permatang Pauh seat in the 1999 general election, beginning her tenure as a parliamentarian. In 2008, she served briefly as the leader of the opposition. By 2018, she reached the deputy prime ministership, a role she held until 2020. In 2022, she returned to the Dewan Rakyat as the representative for Bandar Tun Razak.
Fast facts
- Born: 1952, Colony of Singapore
- Religion: Sunni Islam
- Education: Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
- Former Occupation: Ophthalmologist
- Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia: 2018-2020
- Member of the Dewan Rakyat: 2022
- Languages: Malay
Questions readers ask
Was Wan Azizah the first woman to lead an opposition party in Malaysia?
She was the second woman to lead a parliamentary party in Malaysia and the first to hold the official position of Leader of the Opposition, a title she assumed in 2008.
What medical specialty did she practice?
She was an ophthalmologist and served as a government doctor for 14 years prior to her resignation in 1993.
Achievements
- Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia (2018–2020)
- Member of the Dewan Rakyat
- Member of the Dewan Rakyat (from 2022)
- Educated at Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and Kolej Tunku Kurshiah
