JOHOR BARU: Nurul Izzah Anwar's election as PKR deputy president reflects the grassroots' choice, not nepotism, says party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said claims of nepotism are unfair to him and the party.
"I remember when I was about to be arrested, I had no choice but to choose Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail to replace me. She did not know how long she would have to shoulder that responsibility.
"Nurul Izzah left university to continue this cause, but there were no claims of nepotism then," he said during his address at the PKR national congress.
"But why is there an issue of nepotism now? Yes, I chose Wan Azizah out of desperation, but Nurul Izzah was elected by party members. The rest we leave to Allah," he added.
The Prime Minister also acknowledged his wife Wan Azizah’s contributions to the party during his speech.
"I better thank her before everyone else, or she'll say I forgot her," he quipped, receiving applause from the audience.
He stressed that now the party elections are over, it is time for healing and added that some members had gone overboard, which was not good for the party.
"However, we need to continue to reform this party as we represent all races in the country," he said.
Anwar expressed confidence in the new line-up and reminded PKR leaders not to forget their roots and to remain committed to reform, not just pursue positions or material gain.
He emphasised the importance of regularly polishing idealism to ensure the party's integrity.
"Even iron needs oiling from time to time to prevent rust if left too long in water," he said, adding that internal reforms should cover selection, discipline, behaviour, values, and evaluation of office bearers for various government and GLC positions.
Although former deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former vice president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad were not present on the second day of the congress, Anwar paid tribute to their sacrifices.
