NURUL Izzah Anwar who is vying for the number two position in PKR is seen as a 'breath of fresh air' among the younger generation.
Izzah, who turns 45 in November is seen as someone who understands the struggles and needs of the young, apart from being easily approachable and down to earth.
"She has no airs about her and willingly takes selfies with her supporters and stops for a chat if she has the time.
"The new generation certainly need a leader like her ... someone we can relate to, understands our struggles and feels for us.
"From the time I remember, it has been the same old faces in politics over and over again ... it is time for change ... for renewal," said Fariz Ahmad, 28, a medical officer from Petaling Jaya.
Another young voter, Siti Fatimah Noor, 33, from Shah Alam, lamented how politics has become 'full of oldies' and the critical need for a new generation of leaders.
She told The Vibes that someone like Izzah would be able to bring back the glory Malaysia once boasted and was proud of.
"Politics these days is like a wet blanket. We need to be motivated, a leader we can look up to and have hope.
"It is time for change and the time is now. Youngsters these days are well informed ... we have information at our fingertips.
"We see the world developing at a rapid pace and we don't want to be left behind. To achieve this, we need someone like Izzah to guide us," added the teacher.
Andrew Soosai, 26, said since the voting age was lowered, many youngsters pay close attention to political developments in the country.
"The world is borderless, and we recognise the opportunities and potentials in other countries and many of us are tempted to migrate due to this.
"There is so much more Malaysia can offer us, and we believe leaders like Izzah can cultivate this and make things much more attractive for young minds," said the junior accountant.
He also mentioned that Izzah stood out as she has been with PKR from its early days and understands the difficulties it has gone through.
For nurse, Jacinta Lee, 30, Izzah offers renewed hope for the younger generation.
"We need a leader we can relate to. Someone we feel comfortable with. Enough of the 'oldies' ... we need a new generation of leaders and Izzah has both the experience and youthfulness needed for this.
"Also, it is time we give women leaders greater opportunities," she added.
Members issue word of caution
Meanwhile, several PKR members who spoke to The Vibes reminded Izzah and other candidates to always remember to listen to the voice of the grassroots.
“Please do not become aloof once you win and come into power … always remember those who helped you get there.
“One thing we realise is that “PKR mudah lupa”, which is something which must be stopped.
“Always remember those who have been there for you and helped you without expecting anything in return,” said the members.
They claimed that a number of PKR leaders became ‘arrogant and cocky’ once they came into power and this ‘put off’ the members.
“Izzah is now very down to earth and we hope she remains that way, even if she one day becomes the Prime Minister,” they said.
The members also cautioned candidates over whom these choose as their running mates.
“Sometimes, a particular candidate may be well liked, but find himself losing the election, all because he chose the wrong running mates,” they added. – May 17, 2025
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