Nurul Izzah to contest PKR No 2 post, rejects nepotism claims

SHAH ALAM – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar has confirmed that she will be contesting for the party’s Deputy President post, following nominations and grassroots support, along with backing from party leadership.

As of 4.10pm, her name appeared in the official nomination system between 3.30pm and 4pm, making her the first candidate to formally enter the race for the position.

The former Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament said that the 'family party' label frequently used by the public in recent times is not a new attack.

She emphasised that it had been a recurring narrative since 1998, often used to discredit the reform movement.

“When I won the vice president post with the highest number of votes in 2010, 2014, and 2018, the same accusations were hurled. The only time I didn’t run was in 2022, when I focused on and supported the Ayuh Malaysia movement.

“The truth is, even if I had chosen to remain in the race for Vice President this time around, the same labels would still be used against me. Regardless of the titles or perceptions thrown at me over the years, I will continue to serve.

“God willing, I believe that open contests with grassroots mandates are not a form of nepotism, but rather a cornerstone of democracy that we must uphold within this party,” she wrote in a Facebook post on Friday.

Previously, many political analysts viewed her candidacy as a clear signal that Nurul Izzah had received the blessing of the party’s top leadership to assume the number two position within PKR.

Her nomination received widespread support from senior PKR figures, including the Prime Minister’s senior political secretary Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, PKR vice president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, PKR communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, PKR Women’s chief Fadhlina Sidek and PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abdul Hamid.

Sharing further, the eldest daughter of PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said she had resigned from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) back in 2018 and declined a ministerial role when Pakatan Harapan won the 14th General Election (GE14).

She said that the ministerial position at the time was offered by then Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad and included her mother, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who served as Deputy Prime Minister.

“In fact, even if I win the Deputy President post, I am not interested in any Cabinet position. I am confident that rational readers will see the difference between nepotism, where family members are appointed to positions and standing for an internal party election decided by grassroots votes.”

“Therefore, I believe the lifeblood of the party has always been the branches and grassroots machinery. For over two decades, it is the branch-level leadership and members who have been the backbone of this party, and I deeply appreciate their sacrifices.”

“As we approach the 16th General Election (GE16), we must move forward with a more organised and comprehensive strategy, grounded in our collective strength. If I am elected, my main mission will be to work alongside members, supporters, and volunteers, especially at the branch level, with a particular focus on the 50 marginal seats,” she added.