JOHOR BARU: PKR is looking at drawing at least 40% of its general election candidates from women and the youth, says its newly-minted deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
“We have another 24 months as we head to the 16th General Election, and we want at least 40% of the candidates to be represented by women and youths.
“We also have to look at how we can introduce reforms within the party to be more future-ready.
“The party has to remain strong and maintain its ideals,” she told reporters after the PKR national congress here yesterday.
Nurul Izzah said having more balanced representation in electoral candidates is among her three focus areas after becoming the party’s number two.
Asked whether she has reached out to Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, who failed to defend his post from her challenge, Nurul Izzah did not answer the question directly, but said members would often meet and offer reminders to each other.
“To Rafizi, and to all those who contested, who won or lost, the important thing is to maintain our friendship and loyalty and principles,” she said.
Earlier, in her maiden speech, Nurul Izzah said she will be involved in the party’s preparation for the upcoming Sabah election – which must be held by this year – before she heads to Mecca to perform the haj.
“I call on all party members to get involved as we have a minimum target of 13 seats.
“It will be an uphill task for us not only externally but also internally,” she said.
She urged members to come together to make sure the party doesn’t lose its ideals, especially since PKR is in the government.
“Some even asked how would I make a difference, but the real question is how do we make a difference together,” she said.
Nurul Izzah added that she wants to see female support towards PKR in the upcoming general election to increase from the current 40%, and noted the importance of reaching out to youths and to give them a platform.
