KUALA LUMPUR – Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Deputy President Rafizi Ramli has acknowledged that Vice President Nurul Izzah Anwar has every right to challenge him in the upcoming party leadership election, emphasising that all members are entitled to contest.
Speaking on the Yang Bakar Menteri (YBM) podcast last night, Rafizi said he respects her decision and trusts that she has her reasons for entering the race, Bernama reported.
“Nurul Izzah has her justification for why she should contest, and we must respect that. Everyone has made their contributions to the party,” he said.
The Economy Minister, however, expressed concern that the contest could be exploited by certain quarters to stir unnecessary political friction.
Nominations for the 2025–2028 PKR leadership term closed at 11.59pm on Friday, confirming a straight fight between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah for the party’s number two post. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remains unchallenged as party president.
Twelve individuals have filed nominations for the vice-presidency, including four incumbents – Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad; Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang; Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun; and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Meanwhile, Finance Minister’s political secretary Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim is the sole nominee for Youth Chief.
Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek is set to face Ampang Member of Parliament Rodziah Ismail in a contest for the Women’s Chief position.
The PKR National Congress, along with its Youth and Women’s wings assemblies, will take place from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru, with voting for the central leadership scheduled for May 23. – May 11, 2025