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INTERNAL tensions within Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) are escalating as the party braces for a high-stakes contest for the deputy presidency between incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Vice-President Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Far from being a mere power tussle, the showdown between the Economy Minister and the reformist figure dubbed the "Princess of Reformasi" is seen as a litmus test for the future direction of PKR, the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition, and the broader Madani government in the run-up to the 16th General Election (GE16).
Both contenders enjoy widespread support from within the party’s leadership. Rafizi is backed by three sitting vice-presidents – Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang.
Also rallying behind Rafizi are PKR Strategy Director and Johor Bahru MP Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir, and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail, who is contesting the party’s Women’s Chief post.
Nurul Izzah, daughter of PKR President and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, has drawn strong support from over 200 division leaders and senior party figures including former secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Central Election Committee Chair Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and PKR Communications Director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
The leadership race has gained momentum with both candidates ramping up their campaigns. Rafizi is utilising his podcast series ‘Yang Bakar Menteri: Yang Berhenti Menteri?’, while Nurul Izzah is engaging grassroots members through her ‘Temu Rapat Akar Umbi’ tour ahead of the vote on 23 May.
Political analyst Dr G. Manimaran warned that the clash could trigger a party split akin to the internal crises faced by UMNO in 1988 and PAS in 2015, which led to the formation of Semangat 46 and Parti Amanah Negara, respectively. He also drew parallels with the MCA leadership feud between Tun Dr Ling Liong Sik and Tan Sri Lim Ah Lek in 2002, which saw both leaders exit the political scene in 2004.
“This contest is far more intense than the 2022 race between Team Rafizi and Team Saifuddin Nasution,” Manimaran told Sinar Harian.
“Though publicly only a few leaders – Aminuddin, Nik Nazmi, Lih Kang and Rodziah – have declared support for Rafizi, many delegates are believed to be backing him quietly. This makes the upcoming party election the toughest yet for PKR."
He added, “If President Anwar Ibrahim mismanages this process, it could weaken the party and invite a repeat of historical fractures in Malaysian political parties.”
Manimaran also likened the current scenario to the fateful 1993 UMNO deputy presidency contest between Anwar and the late Tun Ghafar Baba.
“Although Anwar retains the PKR presidency unchallenged, his political longevity and the viability of his Madani government hinge on how he steers the party after this election,” he said. - May 14, 2025