THE only trump card Nurul Izzah Anwar's detractors have against her is that she is the prime minister's daughter, resurfacing the same, lame accusation of nepotism.
For those familiar with her, Izzah is not someone who has achieved her political success by riding on her family name.
The reason she received such strong backing to run for the party's number two position is because she has gone through the pain, suffering and hardship from the days of 'Reformasi' to what PKR is today.
Izzah is not someone who joined PKR in the last couple of years, but one who built the party from scratch ... who shed blood, sweat and tears to fight against the political injustices of the past.
She won the vice-presidency thrice in 2010, 2014 and 2018 - all with huge majorities and has served in Parliament for over a decade.
As a PKR leader pointed out, Izzah's track record as an MP, party vice-president coupled with her leadership roles and advisory work have shaped her to what she is today.
"She is seen as the hope for the future ... it is leaders like her who have what it takes to shape the nation, guide the youth and maintain strong political stability.
"It is nonsensical to say Izzah was born into it ... she grew up with it ... she shaped PKR and will continue to do so," said the leader.
He said Izzah had never lobbied for the deputy presidency and had stated her intention to defend her vice-presidency.
"It is the grassroots which began lobbying for her to contest the number two post.
"The members recognise the need to build a strong leadership ...someone who can provide support to the president.
"The political landscape is rapidly changing, and the grassroots recognise the need for a leader like Izzah," said the leader.
Izzah has never forgotten her roots and has always stressed that one should never forget lessons of the past.
She has always emphasised the need to listen and stay close to the people, to the grassroots.
"Izzah joined PKR at the young age of 18 and her political journey was never about power, fame or titles.
"She was an integral part of the Reformasi movement which was launched in 1999 after Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was detained.
"From her young years, she has been fighting for PKR and even in the lowest moments, she never gave up," said a senior branch leader.
The branch leader also pointed out that Izzah had never asked for any position even when her mother, Datin Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail was the deputy prime minister.
"She has no airs and is a very down to earth, approachable person.
"Izzah has the makings of a great leader and there is no doubt she deserves all the support possible to steer PKR to the future," added the branch leader. - ENDS
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