KUALA LUMPUR – Intense and widespread support likened to a political “tsunami” is sweeping through PKR as division chiefs are throwing their weight behind Nurul Izzah Anwar’s potential bid for the deputy president post, urging that she be judged on merit rather than political rhetoric or claims of nepotism.
Jerai division chief Poobalan Subramaniam said support for Nurul Izzah is gaining strong momentum at the grassroots level.
“Support for Nurul is like a tsunami hitting PKR. It clearly signals the party leadership,” he said in a statement on Tuesday.
He argued that Nurul Izzah’s long-standing contributions to PKR warrant serious consideration for the party’s second-highest position.
“How long must Nurul Izah remain behind the scenes just because of (Datuk Seri) Anwar Ibrahim? Nurul deserves, based on merit, to contest any position in the party, including Deputy President,” he said.
“She has endured various challenges and obstacles in politics, especially within PKR. We should not suppress the talent and capabilities of a leader like Nurul simply due to family ties.”
With the party polls looming, Poobalan pointed out that the lack of clarity around the deputy president’s role is creating unease.
“This is a critical role in supporting (party) president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in planning the party’s direction. (Anwar) is a very accommodating leader and wants the party to remain strong and stable,” he said.
Echoing the support, Tanjung division chief A. Kumaresan, who is also the Batu Uban assemblyman and Penang PKR vice chairman, described the former Permatang Pauh MP as a pillar of the party’s reformist struggle.
“PKR is a party that prioritises reformist principles and ideals. Nurul is among the key figures in PKR who has played a vital role in advancing those principles,” Kumaresan said.
“When the party was on the streets or at a crossroads, Nurul never gave up and continued fighting to help shape a bright future for the party.”
Meanwhile, Baling division chief M. Chandar added that the time is ripe for Nurul to step into a central leadership role.
“It is time for Nurul to be chosen as deputy president to assist the president and his team in facing the upcoming state and general elections (PRN and PRU16),” he said.
The swelling grassroots momentum suggests Nurul Izzah, often dubbed the “Princess of Reformasi,” may soon become a central force in shaping PKR’s next chapter – not because of her lineage, but her record.
Today, Penang PKR is among those to voice their support for Nurul Izzah, joining the growing chorus including 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. – May 7, 2025