GEORGE TOWN – Penang PKR has rallied behind its chairman Nurul Izzah Anwar, for the deputy president post, expressing confidence that she has the leadership and vision to take on the party’s No. 2 role in the upcoming central leadership council election
The state chapter is the latest to join the growing chorus within PKR publicly backing Nurul Izzah for the deputy president post, following endorsements from PKR Youth chief Adam Adli, Hang Tuah Jaya division chief Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, Perak PKR, and 22 out of 26 divisional leaders from Johor PKR.
The position is currently held by Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who announced in March that he would be defending the post he was elected to in 2022 after defeating Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail with a landslide 16,668-vote majority.
In a statement, Penang PKR deputy chairman Datuk Mohamad Abdul Hamid said that her nomination for the position, should she opt to contest for it, would be seen as a “regeneration” effort for the party.
Mohamad said that Nurul Izzah has a solid background, experience and integrity to hold the position, citing her past roles as the former MP of Permatang Pauh and Lembah Pantai, and former senior advisor of economy and finance to the prime minister in 2023, as well as her present role as party vice president.
“She is known as a principled politician who rejects dirty, corrupt politics,” said Mohamad.
“Her clean, reformist image is seen as a symbol of regeneration in the party.”
“She has proven herself to be committed and holding true to the party’s policies and principles to the point of being known as the Princess of Reformasi.”
Mohamad, who is also Penang deputy chief minister I, said that Nurul Izzah has always upheld fairness and democracy and is committed to political reforms that include transparency in governance.
Additionally, Izzah has fought for women’s rights, freedom of speech, and social justice, as well as pushed for quality education and strengthening the people’s economy.
“At a time when the country’s politics is becoming more challenging, PKR must be led by a leadership that can understand the ‘pulse’ of the grassroots to strengthen the party from bottom to top.
“It is without doubt that Nurul Izzah is qualified to take on this challenging role. She is qualified to be given a chance to grow as a leader who has faced the tests of endurance and patience. – May 7, 2025