PKR deputy president race heats up, Rafizi vs Nurul Izzah intensifies party rift

SHAH ALAM - The PKR Deputy President contest between Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar has intensified the party's internal political climate.

Beyond simply determining the number two position, this race was seen as crucial for the future direction of PKR, Pakatan Harapan (PH) and the Madani government leading up to the 16th General Election (GE16).

Rafizi and Nurul Izzah have garnered significant support from division leaders, current Vice Presidents and PKR Central Leadership Council (MPP) members.

Rafizi's supporters include incumbent Vice Presidents Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Chang Lih Kang, as well as Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir and Rodziah Ismail.

Nurul Izzah, daughter of Prime Minister and PKR President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is backed by over 200 division chiefs and other leaders like Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, and Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.

The campaign has escalated with Rafizi's podcast tour, "Yang Bakar Menteri: Yang Berhenti Menteri?" and Nurul Izzah's grassroots engagement through the "Temu Rapat Akar Umbi" programme.

These efforts aim to rally support ahead of the party polls on May 23.

Political analyst G. Manimaran suggested this clash could lead PKR into an internal crisis, drawing parallels with Umno's 1988 crisis, Pas’ 2013 crisis and the 2002 MCA leadership struggle.

He viewed this contest as more intense than the 2022 Rafizi-Saifuddin Nasution showdown.

"Although on paper, only a few leaders like Aminuddin, Nik Nazmi, Lih Kang and Rodziah have openly declared support for Rafizi, the reality is that many delegates quietly backing him," Manimaran stated.

He stressed the importance of Anwar's election management, warning of potential negative impacts and party weakening if it is handled poorly.

Manimaran also cited the similarities between this contest and the historic Umno Deputy President race between Anwar and Tun Ghafar Baba.

"Although Anwar has won the PKR President post uncontested, his political future and the fate of the Madani government still depend on how he manages the party after the election," he added.