PETALING JAYA: The stage is set for a potentially seismic shift within PKR, as its founding figures, rising stars and loyal incumbents converge in a leadership race that could reshape the party’s future.
Attention is now on the race set to take place on May 23 for the party’s deputy presidency.
Incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli is being challenged by former vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Rafizi, known for his technocratic approach and popular grassroots appeal, is seeking a second term after reclaiming the number two position in 2022.
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His entry into the race was confirmed when his name appeared in the party’s online election portal.
Nurul Izzah, who offered herself as a candidate for the PKR deputy presidency, assured she will not take up a Cabinet position even if she won.
“I believe that the heart of PKR’s strength has always been in its branches and grassroots machinery, where for more than two decades, the leaders and members at the branch level have been the backbone of the party.
“However, in facing the 16th General Election, we need to move forward with more structured, comprehensive strategy centred on shared strength,” she said in a statement yesterday.
Nurul Izzah, who is the daughter of PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, said this is the time for all to reunite the strength of PKR and restore its original spirit of struggle.
“Whether elected or not, my love and loyalty will always be with PKR so that we can be close and relevant to the rakyat in facing all the challenges that lie ahead, both domestic and geopolitical.
“If I am elected as deputy president, my main mission will be to work together with members, supporters and volunteers at all our branches, especially in the 50 marginal seats,” said Nurul Izzah who is a founding member.
With Anwar’s name appearing in the official nomination system yesterday, an analyst said his candidacy came as no surprise, given his current role as prime minister and leader of the coalition government.
“PKR was founded with the purpose of championing his cause and the people’s struggles,” said Universiti Malaya’s Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub.
“As long as Anwar remains active, the party will likely continue to mandate his leadership.”
Nurul Izzah’s nomination has drawn significant attention and divided opinion within party ranks, although Mohammad Tawfik predicted she would probably win the number 2 comfortably.
“The wave of support she’s receiving across different levels of the party reflects a desire among members and leaders to see this ‘puteri reformasi’ bring renewed energy rooted in PKR’s founding DNA.”
Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is speculated to contest for deputy president, has yet to submit his nomination papers.
Mohammad Tawfik said the deputy presidency contest is crucial in determining PKR’s future leadership direction and generational transition, especially as it eyes long-term stability within the unity government framework.
“This is indeed the first step towards positioning Nurul Izzah as a future top leader of PKR.
“She is climbing the party hierarchy, and what’s even more significant is that it potentially sets the stage for her to become Malaysia’s first female prime minister.”
The race for the party’s four vice-president posts has already drawn a strong line-up of candidates who are made up of incumbents and new faces.
The incumbents seeking re-election are Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Science and Technology Minister Chang Lih Kang.
They will be challenged by Deputy Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development Minister R. Ramanan, Segamat MP R. Yuneswaran, Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin and PKR deputy secretary-general Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan.
Others who have submitted their nominations are former Selangor exco member Hee Loy Sian, Senator Abun Sui Anyit and former PKR vice-president Mustaffa Kamil Ayub.
One minister and three deputy ministers are among 72 PKR leaders contesting for 20 Central Leadership Council seats.
They are Communications Minister and PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, along with deputy ministers Adam Adli (Youth and Sports), Akmal Nasrullah (Energy Transition and Water Transformation) and K. Saraswathy (National Unity).
Others in the running include former education minister Dr Maszlee Malik and actor-director Datuk Hans Isaac, as well as several MPs such as Lee Chean Chung, Wong Chen, Onn Abu Bakar, Tah Kar Hing, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh and S. Kesavan.
