Rafizi vs Nurul Izzah: The epic competition between PKR's 'young heirs'
The party, which leads the current government, is at a pivotal juncture, witnessing a battle between the strengths and perceived weaknesses of these two prominent figures.
SHAH ALAM - The contest between Nurul Izzah Anwar and Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for the Deputy President position of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) continues to draw attention, as both begin organising campaign tours across the country.
The party, which leads the current government, is at a pivotal juncture, witnessing a battle between the strengths and perceived weaknesses of these two prominent figures.
Nurul Izzah, currently a PKR Vice-President, has faced criticism over nepotism after agreeing to heed grassroots support to contest the Deputy President post in the upcoming term.
However, the credibility of the woman hailed as ‘Puteri Reformasi’ transcends the 'anak papa' (daddy’s girl) label given by certain quarters dissatisfied with current developments.
This was acknowledged by PKR Central Leadership Council (MPP) member Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, who had previously expressed public support for Nurul Izzah.
He emphasised that the candidacy of the former Permatang Pauh MP should not be questioned, given her well-known contributions.
“Nurul Izzah has received much support from the grassroots. She has been a party fighter for a long time, since her youth.
“Throughout her life, Nurul Izzah has remained focused on the party’s cause to uphold truth, justice, and unity. No one can deny the strength she brings,” he told Sinar.
Asked about the challenges Nurul Izzah might face in her bid for the party’s number two position, Abdullah expressed confidence that attacks against her would not erode grassroots support.
Although acknowledging that there are weaknesses behind Nurul Izzah’s strengths, Abdullah declined to elaborate on them.
“No human being is without weaknesses. We all have strengths and weaknesses. So, as sane humans, we remain loyal only to Allah SWT.
“I don’t see them as weaknesses. I see them as aspects that can be improved. If we dwell on weaknesses, then we become weak. But if we speak positively, things will be positive,” he said.
For political analyst Wong Chin Huat, both Nurul Izzah and Rafizi are young leaders with calibre and charisma, though each has notable shortcomings.
“Rafizi's main weakness is that he failed to highlight his technocratic strengths as the Minister of Economy. As a minister in the coalition government, he has not been able to function as a strategist or spokesperson for PKR, in showcasing PKR's identity and appeal, and inspiring supporters as he did before the 15th General Election.
“Nurul Izzah’s main weakness, on the other hand, is her loss in Permatang Pauh in 2022 and the decision not to contest in the 2023 state elections.
“Without a recent track record, her justification for contesting is easily dismissed by the political dynasty narrative,” he said.
Strengths of Their Own
“Rafizi's main weakness is his failure to highlight his technocratic strengths as the Economy Minister. As a minister in the coalition government, he has not managed to function as a strategist or spokesperson for PKR, particularly in showcasing the party’s identity and appeal, or in inspiring supporters as he did before the 15th General Election.
“Nurul Izzah’s main weakness, on the other hand, is her loss in Permatang Pauh in 2022 and her decision not to contest in the 2023 state elections.
“Without a recent track record, her justification for contesting is easily dismissed by those pushing the political dynasty narrative,” he said.
Strengths of their own
Meanwhile, newly appointed Youth wing (AMK) chief Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim, said that both candidates possess strengths, contributions and services to the party that cannot be denied.
However, he strongly asserted that these advantages should not be used as ammunition to attack any candidate offering themselves in this internal election.
“Some of us believe that Nurul Izzah’s strengths at this moment are suitable to mobilise members and ensure party unity.
“She has experience assisting the party and leading election campaigns,” he said.
For the record, the party achieved strong results when Nurul Izzah served as PKR Election Director during the 14th General Election (GE14), where it won nearly 50 parliamentary seats.
Kamil added that Rafizi also has undeniable experience and contributions to the party.
“So, those who believe Nurul Izzah is the right choice for now should use that strength in campaigning.
“If they believe Rafizi has the strength, then they should campaign based on that and elevate Rafizi’s voice,” he said.
Asked whether Rafizi’s open criticism of internal party members could undermine his support for the Deputy President post, Kamil said the matter should be left to the party members' wisdom.
“I believe grassroots members are wise enough to make judgments based on current realities. We know how to evaluate the attitudes of our leaders today.
“So we leave it to the members' wisdom to make the best decision for the continuity of our struggle and to strengthen the organisation,” he said.
Currently, both candidates are actively conducting campaign tours to engage with grassroots members in their bid for the Deputy President post. Both have been meeting party members alongside their respective teams.
This indicates that if Rafizi loses the Deputy Presidency, the Vice-President candidates on his team could also face defeat, and the same could apply to Nurul Izzah.
However, in a psychological tactic deployed by Rafizi on Monday night in Kedah, he appeared to shift the pressure onto Nurul Izzah by suggesting that if the 'Puteri Reformasi' loses, it would reflect a rejection of Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership as PKR President.
But is this a reverse psychology move by Rafizi targeting PKR delegates who will be voting or something else entirely?
Regardless, the grassroots must use their discernment to interpret the messages conveyed by their leaders.
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