CALLS for Nurul Izzah Anwar to run for deputy president in the upcoming PKR elections are increasing, with the latest support coming from Perak.
Mohd Noorazam Shah Ahmad Afandi, the Perak PKR information chief, emphasised that Izzah is well-known within the party and has consistently demonstrated her strong principles and dedication since the reform movement began in 1998.
He noted that with her experience as vice-president, a two-term MP, a human rights advocate, and a proponent of institutional reform, Izzah has the necessary values, strength, and vision to lead the party through future challenges.
He added that her nomination is not just about her personality or legacy.
Izzah, who is also the daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is seen as capable of instilling values of moderation, principled conviction, and progressive thinking, which are essential for revitalizing the party's spirit.
Izzah has already declared her intention to run for the vice-president position in the PKR elections set for May 24.
Support for her deputy president candidacy also comes from several Melaka PKR division chiefs, including Datuk Seri Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin (Hang Tuah Jaya), Mohd Khuzaire Mohd Kamal Kannan (Alor Gajah), Azlan Osman (Tangga Batu), R. Jagatheason (Jasin), and Md Yusoff Ahmad (Kota Melaka).
In a joint statement, these five division chiefs praised Izzah for her unwavering principles, courage to advocate for social justice, human rights, and institutional reform.
They expressed their belief that she embodies all the necessary leadership qualities. Additionally, Johor PKR Youth vice-president Muhammad Faezuddin Mohd Puad highlighted that Izzah's candidacy is a timely move to strengthen the party's leadership, not only through her political experience and qualifications but also by promoting gender inclusivity.
Since 1998, she has been one of the earliest and most vocal advocates in the reform movement.
Rizal Jamin, the chairman of Pahang PKR, has also publicly endorsed Izzah as a candidate for the position of deputy president.
He stated, 'Izzah, known as Puteri Reformasi, is well-acquainted with the PKR struggle. She has consistently demonstrated her strong principles and dedication since the inception of the reform movement.'
The competition for the deputy president role has garnered significant attention, particularly in light of uncertainties surrounding the current officeholder, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, following the recent defeats of several key supporters in the division-level elections.
Titiwangsa PKR leader Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman previously encouraged Rafizi to allow former party secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to assume the position.
However, Saifuddin has remained non-committal regarding his candidacy, indicating that he will provide an update soon.
In the 2022 party elections, Rafizi won the deputy president position decisively, securing a majority of 16,668 votes over Saifuddin. - May 6, 2025
