KOTA KINABALU: The majority of Sabah PKR branch leaders, a total of 21 out of 26, have declared their support for Nurul Izzah Anwar in the 2025-2028 party leadership polls.
They praised her as a principled leader with strong reformist roots, believing that her leadership at the highest levels of the party would bring fresh momentum to the reform agenda, especially in Sabah, where issues such as the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) remain a priority.
"We are prepared to support her should she decide to contest the deputy president position, as long as it benefits the party's reform mission," they said in a joint statement Wednesday (May 7).
The PKR leadership election is scheduled to take place on May 24, 2025, with Nurul Izzah expected to contest for the deputy president's position.
Her main contender is the incumbent deputy president, Rafizi Ramli, who has indicated his intention to defend his position. There is also speculation that PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail may enter the race, though this has not been confirmed.
The Sabah branch leaders expressed their full support for Nurul Izzah's candidacy as vice-president, saying that they would consider backing her for the deputy president role if she formally announces her candidacy.
They also stressed the importance of making careful, strategic decisions ahead of the upcoming Sabah state election to avoid internal divisions and maintain public confidence.
"We must return to the party's founding ideals and ensure it remains a beacon of hope for the people," they said.
The statement was signed by Sabah PKR chief and Kota Belud branch chief, Datuk Mustapha Sakmud and branch leaders from Sepanggar (Datuk Peto Galim), Kudat, Kinabatangan, Penampang, Kota Marudu, Kota Kinabalu, Kimanis, Sandakan, Tawau, Beaufort, Ranau, Papar, Beluran, Libaran, Pensiangan, Silam, Sipitang, Batu Sapi, Tenom, and Kalabakan.
