CLAIMS that Nurul Izzah Anwar’s potential candidacy for PKR’s deputy presidency constitutes nepotism are unfounded, according to the party’s Deputy Information Chief I, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
“There is no such thing as nepotism if someone seeks office through an election,” he said. “Nepotism is when someone is appointed to a position by their father, without any form of contest. But if she is contesting in a party election, then it is not nepotism.”
Ramanan was responding to public criticism surrounding suggestions that Nurul Izzah, the daughter of PKR President and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, might contest the party’s number two post in the upcoming internal elections.
“The decision will be made by 30,000 members. So, there is no question of nepotism here,” he said.
“We cannot choose our parents. If we follow the logic of these allegations, it would mean someone can’t be a leader simply because their parents are involved in politics. That doesn’t make sense.”
He noted that Nurul Izzah’s candidacy was being driven by grassroots momentum, not imposed from the top. “This is a democratic party. We must be open to accepting anyone who is nominated,” he said.
Asked for his view on her suitability, Ramanan said Nurul Izzah is highly qualified, not just because of her political experience and integrity, but also due to her international reputation and leadership qualities.
Ramanan also clarified that he would not be contesting the deputy presidency himself, and would instead stand for a vice-president position.
In recent days, several PKR leaders have voiced support for Nurul Izzah to challenge incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli for the deputy presidency in the party’s 2025–2028 term.
On Wednesday, Nurul Izzah said she would consider the calls from grassroots members urging her to run, and would announce her decision in due course. - May 8, 2025
