Prime Minister and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pushed back against claims of nepotism following his daughter Nurul Izzah Anwar’s election as the party’s deputy president, asserting that her victory came from the will of party members and not family influence.
During the winding-up session of the PKR National Congress 2025 at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Anwar recounted pivotal moments from the party's early struggles. He recalled a time when, just hours before facing imprisonment, he entrusted leadership to his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail. At that critical juncture, he had little choice but to make a quick decision to ensure the party’s continuity, and no accusations of nepotism had surfaced then.
He questioned why similar concerns are being raised now, pointing out that Nurul Izzah’s current position came not through his appointment but through the votes of grassroots members across the country. He urged party members and critics alike to remember the history of PKR, where many decisions were made in times of crisis, and where loyalty and sacrifice shaped the leadership structure.
Anwar’s defence of Nurul Izzah’s elevation was framed not only as a clarification but also as a call for deeper reflection within the party. He encouraged younger members to seek guidance from long-serving PKR veterans who witnessed the early days of reform and struggle. The context of past decisions, he argued, must be understood before casting judgment on the present.
Reflecting on the newly elected leadership council, Anwar expressed optimism that the diverse slate of leaders—regardless of factional leanings—would unite under a common mission to strengthen PKR’s future. He reminded delegates that the party's continued success relies on unity and steadfastness, especially after intense contests during division-level elections.
Reiterating the importance of collective resolve, Anwar called for party members to rise above internal competition and recommit themselves to PKR’s reformist values. He maintained that leadership, when chosen through democratic processes, reflects the trust and aspirations of the party’s base—not favoritism or family ties.
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