KUALA LUMPUR – PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has confirmed his intention to defend his post in the upcoming party polls, pledging his continued commitment to the party’s reform ideals and national vision.
In a statement today, the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister reiterated his candidacy for the party’s vice-presidency while addressing concerns raised by members over the recent branch-level elections.
“I can confirm that I will remain in the race for the vice-presidency of PKR,” he said.
“I fully understand the concerns raised by party members. I myself have consistently called for improvements to the system, but the time has now come for us to move forward.”
A PKR member since the age of 19, Nik Nazmi described himself as a loyal reformist who has consistently placed the party and the country above personal ambition.
He recounted his early days in politics, including his tenure as private secretary to party president Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and his involvement during some of the party’s most turbulent chapters.
“I have never chosen the easy path,” he said, citing his decision to contest in Barisan Nasional strongholds such as Seri Setia in 2008 and Setiawangsa in 2018.
“When the president launched the Black505 movement after GE13, I did not walk away. I spent five years going in and out of court. When the president was jailed in 2015, I, along with other youth leaders, mobilised protests and spent three days in police custody.”
Nik Nazmi also highlighted his role in strengthening PKR’s presence, particularly in opposition-led states and in Sabah and Sarawak.
As the party’s former organising secretary, he played a key role in formalising party branches and spearheaded the Felo KEADILAN initiative, designed to nurture the next generation of party leaders.
He pointed to his record in government, where he has championed policies aligned with PKR’s reformist aspirations, especially those advocated by Anwar.
Looking ahead, he said that if re-elected, his focus would be on reinforcing the party’s grassroots machinery ahead of the next general election, expanding political education efforts, and driving continued reform within government.
He also underscored the need to increase youth and women’s participation in politics and push for broader institutional change.
“This election is not merely a contest; it is a serious mandate to keep the spirit of Reformasi alive, especially as we are tested with the responsibilities of power,” he said.
Nik Nazmi warned that the coming 16th General Election would be a defining moment for Malaysia, given the nation’s increasingly polarised political landscape. He urged PKR to step up and provide people-centred, credible leadership.
“PKR must prioritise the people and demonstrate credible leadership,” he said. “I therefore humbly ask for the support of all members to place their trust in me, Nik Nazmi, as vice-president of PKR.” – May 8, 2025