KUALA LUMPUR – Nurul Izzah Anwar explained that she decided to contest for the PKR vice-presidency post after receiving strong calls from the grassroots in response to uncertainty within the party leadership.
The former Permatang Pauh MP made her final appeal to PKR delegates today ahead of the party polls, emphasising her commitment to reform, accountability, and restoring public trust in the party’s direction.
Her remarks come against the backdrop of widening dissatisfaction within PKR, particularly after recent revelations by deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who questioned the appointment of a vendor to handle the party’s new digital voting system.
In a Facebook post, Nurul Izzah said her candidacy represents “a return to first principles” and a response to the growing disquiet from members who felt sidelined or disillusioned.
“When I received word that Sdr Rafizi had taken leave and vacated his office, I was still in India attending an international conference. The party leadership was also informed of a resignation letter that had been prepared,” she said.
“At the time, there were concerns that he might not contest for the deputy presidency, which only heightened anxiety over a possible leadership vacuum.”
“This is not about personalities. It’s about values. It’s about doing the right thing even when it’s difficult,” she said.
“I come forward not because I sought power, but because I was asked—repeatedly—by friends in the party who felt unheard.”
Rafizi recently claimed the decision on the appointment of a vendor to handle the party’s new digital voting system was made quietly in late 2024 without consultation with the party’s Political Bureau or Central Leadership Council.
While Nurul Izzah did not directly reference Rafizi’s statements, her remarks echoed similar frustrations over internal decision-making and transparency.
“If we want to remain relevant, we must return to inclusive leadership. It is not enough to preach reformasi—we must practise it, consistently and without exception,” she said.
She also stressed that her campaign is not a rebellion but a “constructive reset” meant to realign the party with its founding spirit.
“I remain loyal to the party, and to my father, the president. But loyalty must never blind us from speaking up,” she said.
Party members are set to vote this week in what many describe as a crucial test of PKR’s internal democracy and its ability to manage dissent without fracturing.
Over 280 complaints have reportedly been lodged during the ongoing electoral process, with several candidates raising issues about technical faults and alleged favouritism.
Nurul Izzah, however, remains optimistic.
“This is not about defeating anyone. It’s about standing up for what we believe in. Let the delegates decide what kind of future they want for PKR.”
Nurul Izzah also emphasised that despite the intense contest for the PKR deputy presidency, she will always consider Rafizi a friend.
She acknowledged that while they have had their differences, they share many common ideals and a commitment to the party’s reformist spirit.
She also reflected on PKR’s origins, rooted in friendships marked by diversity and, unfortunately, occasional internal conflicts that sometimes distracted from the party’s broader struggle against common adversaries.
“I will always remember your words to me. Whatever happens on May 23, the bond of friendship between us will remain, including the bittersweet memories when we had to disagree over seat negotiations during the 14th general election with Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who insisted on safe seats,” she said.
“I know we have differences of opinion. But the truth is, we also share so many similarities in terms of ideals and fighting spirit.
“You will always be my friend. We have stood together against corruption and abuse of power. We fight for reform,” Nurul Izzah added. – May 22, 2025