KUALA LUMPUR: Over two-thirds of PKR's 222 divisions support Nurul Izzah Anwar's candidacy for the party's deputy president post for the 2025-2028 term, says PKR deputy information chief I, Datuk Seri R. Ramanan.
"To me, this represents the grassroots' wishes. Based on what I've seen, more than 150 divisions, or two-thirds, have nominated her," he said.
The Sungai Buloh MP said this was because Nurul Izzah was seen as someone with international influence and very high integrity, which would benefit the party.
"In terms of qualifications, she's definitely qualified. Not only does she have vast political experience, but she also has a strong public image in Malaysia and is globally recognised. So in my view, she's truly deserving.
"I see Nurul Izzah as someone transparent, with direction and foresight. She never took a break or said she didn't want to serve. If some do not wish to serve or want to serve differently, then they should not hold any position at all," he said.
He said this after attending Thursday's (May 8) opening of the Franchise International Malaysia (FIM 2025) exhibition and the Asean Franchise Convention (AFC) 2025 Declaration at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.
Ramanan also dismissed claims by certain quarters that the nomination of Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's daughter to contest the deputy president post amounts to nepotism. He argued that logically, it was a democratic contest and not an appointment.
"If Nurul Izzah were appointed by her father, then yes, that would be nepotism. But this is a party election for deputy president; she is contesting, not being appointed.
"We have 30,000 members, party leaders representing three races to decide who becomes deputy president, vice-presidents and members of the Central Leadership Council (MPP). So to me, the issue of nepotism doesn't arise because she'll be elected, if she wins," he said.
Ramanan also said he submitted his nomination form to contest the vice-president post on Wednesday (May 7).
On Wednesday, Nurul Izzah, who is a PKR vice-president, said she would make the best decision regarding calls from grassroots members and party leaders for her to contest the deputy president post in the 2025-2028 term.
In a Facebook post, Nurul Izzah, who is also Penang PKR chief, said the decision must balance consensus, camaraderie and meaningful reforms for all party members.
Nominations for the 2025 PKR central leadership elections, including for Youth and Women's Wings, are being held online over two days starting Thursday.
The PKR National Congress would be held from May 21 to 24 in Johor Bahru. – Bernama
