KUALA LUMPUR – Former Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik has defended Nurul Izzah Anwar’s election as Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president, urging that her victory in the party elections be respected and not dismissed as nepotism simply because she is the daughter of the party president.
Maszlee highlighted a double standard in accusations of nepotism, which are often directed at certain political families but overlooked in others.
"Nurul Izzah was elected deputy president of PKR through a party vote, and that democratic mandate legitimises her position. However, because she is the daughter of both the party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, accusations of nepotism quickly followed her victory,” he said.
He criticised the inconsistent public scrutiny, pointing to similar familial ties in other political parties that have gone unchallenged.
"In Bersatu, former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad served as chairman while his son Mukhriz Mahathir was deputy president, yet nepotism was rarely discussed. Likewise, in Umno, former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s son has been active in Umno Youth without similar criticism.
"Pas has had leaders like Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang whose son-in-law and son held party positions and the late Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat’s son became a Member of Parliament...again, without much public outcry.
"In DAP, the Lim and Karpal families also have multiple members involved in politics,” he told Sinar Daily.
The former Simpang Renggam MP highlighted that political dynasties were not unique to Malaysia and were common worldwide.
"In the United States and nearby Singapore, leadership has passed from elder to younger generations, such as from the elder Lee to the younger Lee. Political legacies are common and not inherently problematic.
"The real issue arises when family members are appointed without fair contests or awarded contracts and privileges through non-transparent means. That is true nepotism, unfair advantage, not family presence in politics.
"There are ongoing cases involving sons and sons-in-law of former prime ministers investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) for allegedly benefiting from their connections.
"These cases highlight misuse of power where wealth and opportunities were not earned through elections or public trust, but granted through questionable means, bypassing fair tender processes,” he said.
Maszlee reiterated that Nurul Izzah’s win was legitimate and the result of a fair contest between two capable candidates.
"Both she and Rafizi were strong, credible contenders, making the party’s choice a difficult one. Ultimately, the outcome reflects the democratic will of members, and that process should be honoured,” he emphasised.