KUALA LUMPUR – Nurul Izzah Anwar has officially confirmed her candidacy for the PKR deputy president position for the 2025–2028 term, emphasising her commitment to party renewal and grassroots empowerment. She also addressed longstanding criticisms that the party is a “family outfit,” firmly dismissing such claims.
“If the party delegates feel I am fit to shoulder this important responsibility, God willing, I will give my best for PKR,” she said in a statement today.
Acknowledging the speculation circulating in recent days, Nurul Izzah, who is the daughter of PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, stated that reactions to her candidacy have been mixed. Some members expressed hope for renewal within the party, while others voiced concerns that her candidacy could reinforce perceptions of nepotism.
“I respect both views, as they come from a deep love for the party,” she said.
In response, Nurul Izzah pointed out that the “family party” label is not a new accusation. It has long been used to undermine the reform agenda that she has supported since 1998.
“This label is not a new attack. From the beginning, when I stood alongside PKR’s founders and Reformasi pioneers to establish the party, it has been used to discredit our struggle,” she explained.
She noted that despite winning the vice-presidency with the highest votes in 2010, 2014, and 2018, the same criticism persisted.
“In 2022, I chose not to contest, focusing instead on the Ayuh Malaysia movement, where I championed policies on TVET and climate change to improve daily life,” she added.
Nurul Izzah emphasised that even if she were to win the deputy presidency, she has no interest in a cabinet position.
“I believe rational observers will understand the difference between nepotism – being appointed by a family member – and being elected by the grassroots,” she said.
She recalled turning down a ministerial appointment after Pakatan Harapan’s victory in 2018, citing her opposition to a direct appointment by then-prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, while her mother, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was serving as deputy prime minister.
Additionally, she resigned from the Public Accounts Committee in protest of Mahathir’s refusal to allow the opposition to chair the committee.
Nurul Izzah reaffirmed her dedication to building the party from the ground up. If elected, her campaign will focus on strengthening grassroots support and ensuring the party machinery is ready for the 16th general election (GE16), especially in marginal constituencies.
“Our strength has always come from our divisions and grassroots machinery. We can’t win through individual efforts alone – we need a coordinated, collective strategy,” she said.
She also highlighted the need to bridge the gap between the central leadership and the grassroots, stressing that disunity must come to an end.
“We must move forward together, uniting our efforts to ensure that PKR remains relevant and connected to the people,” she stated.
Addressing recent online attacks, she expressed disappointment that personal insults and mockery had come from within the party.
“This is a party we built together. Disagreement is fine, but it must be based on respect and facts, not slurs or ridicule,” she urged.
The former Permatang Pauh MP also reaffirmed her unwavering loyalty to the party, regardless of the election result.
“Whether elected or not, my love and loyalty to PKR will never waver. I will continue working to strengthen the party and support its leadership,” she said.
“With that, I, Nurul Izzah Anwar, offer myself as a candidate for the position of PKR deputy president for the 2025–2028 term,” she concluded.
Growing chorus of support
Nurul Izzah's candidacy for the PKR deputy president position has garnered significant support from various quarters within the party, even before she confirmed it.
Notably, PKR Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek, Youth chief Adam Adli, and Communications Datuk Fahmi Fadzil have indicated support. Additionally, the party’s Penang, Melaka, Kelantan, and Selangor chapters, among others, have expressed their support.
Yesterday, current deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli confirmed his candidacy for re-election and welcomed both Nurul Izzah and party secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution to contest, indicating a competitive yet united approach to the upcoming party elections.
He agreed to defend his position after meeting Anwar and Saifuddin during his leave, where he noted that she was ready to step down before the idea was opposed by the party president. – May 9, 2025
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