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No winner, only PKR as the loser after gruelling deputy presidential race

KUALA LUMPUR, May 10, 2025: PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and his daughter, Nurul Izzah, have only themselves to blame should PKR and Pakatan Harapan (PH) “politically implode” after the gruelling deputy presidential contest on May 23.

It is Anwar who is trying to get rid of a loyal reformist, deputy president Rafizi Ramli, by pitting his daughter Nurul against the incumbent.

No one can deny that Rafizi had loyally stood steadfast throughout the fight for Reformasi (Reformation) to have Anwar finally freed from prison.

So, why is Anwar being “politically ungrateful”?

That’s because of the “Abim and Umno DNA” in Anwar and his real love for “politics of patronage”, not Reformasi.

https://www.mariammokhtar.com/ten-reasons-to-show-that-reformasi-is-dead/?fbclid=IwY2xjawKLnaxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETFXTVRXOVFHcElNM2d1NW93AR5LO2sKBSiA79hfUSrr-KT1z3VorY9kk9ij3zHPrdQhwZkMRzJutPZpG9O04g_aem_vMGtv6FsrqJKTFv3Tcn3Iw#google_vignette (10 reasons to show that Reformasi is dead)

This will also be the second time Malaysia’s 10^th Prime Minister (PMX) is trying to get rid of Rafizi the reformist.

The first time was when he endorsed and supported Saifuddin Nasution as his preferred deputy in the party’s 2022 elections.

That Saifuddin lost by a landslide showed the maturity and political tenacity of PKR grassroots.

And, Anwar then appointed Saifuddin as party secretary-general. And the loser, Saifuddin, could not even win a parliamentary seat, and Anwar had to make him a Senator to make him a backdoor Home Minister.

Perhaps, Anwar could not risk losing a second time by endorsing Saifuddin as his preferred deputy, and is therefore pitting his daughter against Rafizi.

So, do the party grassroots today still have in them the same political tenacity to fight for the Reformasi of the rakyat dan negara (people and country)?

Rafizi and Nurul were a dream team during the Reformasi days when Anwar was in Sungai Buloh (dubbed Bamboo River).

She is today shockingly disappointing to help her father rid the party of reformists.

Also, perhaps the voters in Permatang Pauh may have known Nurul better and thus rejected her in the last general election (GE15). Permatang Pauh is her home town.

And, she has the audacity to, without a blink in her eyes, say leaders must listen to people when in power.

Why don’t she tell that to her father?

If the party grassroots abandon Rafizi, it can only mean that:

> THEY now want Anwar preferred ala Umno’s politics of patronage; and

> THEY endorse a “political dynasty” or a father and daughter PKR.

Rafizi has come up with party election campaign posters that reveal his team and an electoral battle cry, HIRUK (Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi dalam Ujian Kuasa), or Reviving Reform Idealism in a Test of Power.

Now, can you expect Nurul to defy her father in any way or to carry out reforms for the rakyat dan negara?

After more than two years in power, have Malaysians seen any real reforms from Anwar? Only the following:

> THAT racial and religious bigotry has gotten even worse; with Umno youth chief Dr Akmal “Ham/I Am Malay First unpatriotic” Saleh leading the pack of bigots;

> THAT Umno, with only 26 parliamentary seats, is in charge. No, why then are the two Yang di-Pertua Negri (Govcrnors) - Sabah and Penang, from Umno? There’s no one in PKR capable of being appointed? There’s no professional or academic good enough for the job?; and

> THAT the Madani Unity Government supports corruption and kleptocrats - Umno, as part of the Government wants Najib “1MDB” Razak to be pardoned and freed after stealing multi-millions (if not billions) of Ringgit from the rakyat dan negara. No? Why then is he in Kajang Prison, courtesy of the then Government led by the racist Dr Mahathir Mohmad (Dr M).

In a way, Dr M seems to have judged Anwar rightly and lost trust and confidence in Anwar during his regime. 

Rafizi Ramli’s team comprises vice-presidents Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Chang Lih Kang and Aminuddin Harun, and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail

Rafizi’s HIRUK team comprises PKR vice-presidents Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Chang Lih Kang, Aminuddin Harun and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail.

Nik Nazmi, Chang and Aminuddin will be defending the seats they won in 2022. Rodziah is vying again for the post of Wanita PKR chief after being defeated by Fadlina Sidek.

And talking about Fadlina (Education Minister), she’s the one who supported and refused to take action against education officials and educators who promoted the use of violence and “firearms” in schools!

One fact is certain. There will be no winner in the outcome of the PKR deputy presidential elections. Only a loser - PKR.

Should Rafizi win again against Anwar’s preferred choice, party grassroots expect Rafizi to be more open and aggressive on the execution of reforms in governance for the rakyat dan negara, as opposed to Anwar’s disappointing performance thus far.

No News Is Bad News reproduces below news reports on the gruelling PKR deputy presidential race:

FMT Reporters

 Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli was elected PKR deputy president in 2022.

PETALING JAYA: PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has registered to defend his position at the party’s central leadership elections later this month, going head-to-head against vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.

He confirmed his candidacy in a statement this evening, and said he welcomed the entry of other candidates as it would “invigorate the spirit of democracy” within the party.

Rafizi said he will embark on a cross-country tour to engage directly with party members, share perspectives, and present future plans.

The tour will embody the spirit of reformist ideals, he said, which was especially important now that PKR is in a “position of power”.

Rafizi was elected deputy president in 2022, after he defeated former party secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. He is the minister for the economy in Anwar Ibrahim’s cabinet.

He filed his papers for the party election about an hour after Nurul Izzah registered her candidacy.

Nurul Izzah, a former MP for Permatang Pauh, did not take part in the leadership contests in 2022.

Numerous party leaders, both at the top leadership and divisional levels, had expressed their support for her current bid for the deputy presidency.

Rafizi, a two-term MP for Pandan, took a step back from active politics in December 2019 to focus on Invoke, a data company he founded that played a pivotal role in political campaigning and grassroots mobilisation.

He returned to politics in 2022 when he contested the PKR deputy president’s post for the first time.

FMT Reporters

Rafizi Ramli’s team comprises vice-presidents Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Chang Lih Kang and Aminuddin Harun, and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail

PETALING JAYA: PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli and his high-powered team will kick off a reformist-themed tour on Sunday as they gear up to defend their party posts at the PKR elections on May 23.

A promotional poster on Rafizi’s Facebook page showed a line-up of three PKR vice-presidents – Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Chang Lih Kang and Aminuddin Harun – and Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail.

Nik Nazmi, Chang and Aminuddin will be defending the seats they won in 2022. Rodziah is vying again for the post of Wanita PKR chief after being defeated by Fadlina Sidek.

 Rafizi Ramli.

Rafiz faces a challenge from vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar for the deputy presidency.

He said the tour, with the theme “Upholding the Ideals of Reform in the Test of Power” (HIRUK) will begin in the Melaka and Negeri Sembilan zones on Sunday.

He said the tour is aimed at strengthening the party’s reformist ideals, especially while holding power.

“Thank you for the continuous support,” Rafizi said in his statement. “I seek everyone’s prayers and backing so we can continue to uphold the spirit of reform, even when tested by power.”

Rafizi won the PKR deputy president’s post three years ago after defeating former PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Nominations close at midnight today.

Predeep Nambiar

 PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar, who seeks the party’s deputy presidency, speaking to grassroot members in Perai tonight. (Bernama pic)

PERAI: Party leaders must stay close to the people, especially when in government, not only during times of struggle, PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said today hours after filing her papers to contest the party’s deputy presidency.

“We must listen, we must stay close to them. Not just when we are in hardship, but also when we are the government,” she said in rallying for grassroots support for her candidacy.

Her comments came after PKR deputy information chief R Ramanan said earlier today that many grassroots members felt abandoned after leaders gained positions of influence.

Nurul Izzah, who joined the party at 18, said her political journey was never about power or titles, but to continue the Reformasi movement (launched in 1989 after her father was expelled from Umno and detained).

“Our strength must be used to dedicate ourselves to the continuity of our struggle. Not to chase votes and power,” she said.

Leaders must have the courage to speak up within the party and use the proper channels to protect the party’s values. “We must fight a little if needed… not to compete, but to do good,” she said.

She said she plans to uplift women and gig workers, saying that 4.4 million youths were doing informal work. “This is why we entered politics. To change society, to raise awareness. To lift up those who need help,” she said.

Nurul Izzah was addressing some 500 grassroots members from PKR in the northern region at a hotel here.

PKR Youth chief Adam Adli, who was present, threw his support for Nurul Izzah, saying she was a crucial link between the early Reformasi generation and younger members.

Defending her against talk of nepotism, Adam said she had gone to jail for speaking out. “She’s not just a leader’s daughter. She’s been in jail, she’s inspired many of us, and she’s earned her place,” he said.

Nurul Izzah was arrested in 2015 and briefly detained under the Sedition Act for remarks she made about her father’s imprisonment. She was released on bail two days later.

Nurul Izzah defends bid for deputy presidency, says nepotism label ‘nothing new’

FMT Reporters

 PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said she has no interest in holding a Cabinet position even if she were to win the deputy president’s post. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar has defended her decision to run for the deputy president’s post at the party’s central leadership elections, saying it was borne from a sense of responsibility.

Nurul Izzah said there have been opposing reactions to news of her bid for the No 2 position – one marked by hope for renewal and regeneration within PKR, and the other by concern that the party may be labelled a “Parti Anak Beranak”.

Nurul Izzah, who is the eldest daughter of party president Anwar Ibrahim, said she respected both perspectives “as they come from a place of love for the party”.

The former Permatang Pauh MP said, however, the allegation of nepotism is nothing new.

She said that when she won the vice-presidency with the highest votes in 2010, 2014 and 2018, the same attacks were levelled against her.

“The attacks only disappeared in 2022, after I had foregone any contest.

“Instead, I co-led and supported the Ayuh Malaysia movement, where I introduced a set of policies to be championed, including pushing for TVET and climate adaptation to better impact lives on the ground,” she said.

Despite not contesting in 2022, she was appointed as one of the party’s vice-presidents.

“Let us be honest, the allegation of nepotism will continue even if I choose to contest as a vice-president.

“We cannot change our past, or our familial links, but we continue to hold on to our principles as we chart the future and rely on preserving our moral compass in the decisions that we make and the issues that we address,” she said in a statement.

Nurul Izzah, who was also a two-term Lembah Pantai MP, also said that even if she were to win the deputy president’s post, she had no interest in holding any Cabinet position.

“I am confident that those who read this statement rationally can distinguish between nepotism, which is being appointed by a family member for a position, versus a competition voted for by the grassroots,” she said.

She added that if she were to be elected deputy president, her main mission would be to work together with members, supporters and volunteers at all PKR branches, especially in the 50 marginal seats, to prepare for the 16th general election.

Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Harim and Wanita PKR chief Fadhlina Sidek have dismissed concerns of nepotism, saying that Nurul Izzah had proven her mettle and could bring about much-needed rejuvenation to the party’s leadership.

Numerous other top and divisional leaders have stated their support for Nurul Izzah to contest the deputy president’s post, which is currently being held by Rafizi Ramli.

This followed Rafizi’s leave of absence after the PKR divisional polls, which saw the defeat of several bigwigs aligned with him.

Rafizi has also officially registered to defend his position, making it a one-on-one contest for now with Nurul Izzah. Nominations close at 11.59pm today.

News

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail may not be contesting for the PKR deputy presidency, Berita Harian reported yesterday.

Quoting a source, Saifuddin made the decision to allow PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar to challenge the incumbent, Rafizi Ramli.

A PKR leader has rubbished a news report claiming that Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who is vying for the deputy presidency at the party polls, has been advised to drop out of the race.

“No such directive has been given to anyone, including Saifuddin,” the highly placed source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told FMT.

The source was responding to an article on Sin Chew Daily which also quoted a source as saying that Saifuddin had been advised to step aside and make way for Nurul Izzah Anwar.

The deputy president’s post is currently held by Rafizi Ramli. Rafizi has announced that he will be defending the post he was elected to after defeating Saifuddin with a landslide majority of 16,668 votes in 2022.

According to Sin Chew, however, Rafizi has yet to nominate himself to defend his post.

On Tuesday, FMT quoted another well-placed source within the party who said that Nurul Izzah’s candidacy was a “done deal”.

The former Permatang Pauh MP, who is the daughter of PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, has yet to confirm whether she will contest the post.

However, several PKR leaders, including the party’s youth chief Adam Adli and outspoken Pasir Gudang MP Hassan Karim, have backed Nurul Izzah for the role.

Yesterday, FMT quoted party leaders as saying that a showdown between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah for the second highest spot in PKR could leave the ruling party more fractured than fortified.

Source : FMT

Titiwangsa PKR chief Syed Badli Shah Syed Osman has now declared support for Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the PKR deputy presidency, a day after mooting Saifuddin Nasution Ismail for the post.

Syed Badli today joined the other 12 heads of PKR divisions in the federal territories in backing Nurul Izzah, who has yet to decide whether or not to vie for Rafizi Ramli’s position.

“Following a series of engagements with grassroots, FT PKR is confident that Nurul Izzah is set to receive convincing support as the main figure to breathe new life and strengthen the party’s machinery ahead of the next general election.

“As the main mover of the ‘Ayuh Malaysia’ campaign, she played a major role in spurring the spirit of members across the country while serving as a peacemaker to unite PKR as one big family,” the division chiefs said in a statement.

Fahmi Fadzil, Azman Abidin and Afdlin Shauki – the heads of the Lembah Pantai, Bandar Tun Razak and Setiawangsa divisions – were among the leaders who signed the statement along with Syed Badli.

Fahmi is also PKR information chief and communications minister while Azman is a political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also the party’s president.

Yesterday, Syed Badli had urged Rafizi to make way for Saifuddin to take over as PKR deputy president in the coming central leadership elections.

He said speculation on Rafizi’s resignation and his decision to go on extended leave had caused unease among party members and even within the unity government.

Numerous top and divisional leaders have stated their support for Nurul Izzah to contest the deputy president’s post, while a handful have called for Saifuddin to vie for the position again.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim remained coy over the upcoming PKR elections and rumours circulating on the candidacy for the party’s top posts.

When asked about reports that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail would make way for his daughter Nurul Izzah to contest the deputy presidency post, Anwar instead said the president’s post is still open.

“The president’s post is still open, I haven’t registered yet, it’s still open. I will register at a later date,” he told reporters after prayers at Surau Al-Iman in Putrajaya today.

Nurul Izzah had previously announced her intention to defend her vice-president post in the PKR elections to be held on May 23.

Nurul Izzah already has the backing of Johor and Selangor and earlier today, reports suggested that Saifuddin Nasution would step aside to make way for her.

Nurul Izzah, who lost her Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat in the 2022 general election, was subsequently appointed PKR vice-president.

She has not yet confirmed her candidacy for the deputy presidency in the upcoming elections.

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.

A showdown between Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar for the second highest spot in PKR could leave the ruling party more fractured than fortified, party leaders say.

“There will be no real winner in this contest if it takes place,” said one senior party source.

“If Rafizi wins, some will say he no longer commands the full confidence of the party. If Nurul Izzah wins, critics will say it’s because of her father. If she loses, they’ll say not even the prime minister’s daughter could beat Rafizi.”

The leadership race has heated up ahead of today’s nominations, with Rafizi declaring his intention to defend the post of deputy president while speculation grows that Nurul Izzah – the daughter of PKR president and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim – may be pressured to challenge Rafizi after internal dissatisfaction and recent mishaps at the division-level elections.

It was reported that Rafizi, the economy minister, was present at his ministry’s office to carry out his duties as usual on Tuesday, effectively ending speculation about his resignation from the Cabinet following his recent leave of absence.

The source said that the leadership contest was initially expected to be a rematch between Rafizi and PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, but that a recent meeting between the two may have led to Saifuddin staying out of the race.

The source also said that the battle for the deputy president’s post had been seen as a contest between Rafizi and Saifuddin until “internal rumblings brought Nurul Izzah’s name to the surface”.

Rafizi defeated Saifuddin in a heated contest for the deputy president’s post during the 2022 party polls, where he campaigned on a platform of reform and internal accountability. The win solidified Rafizi’s role as a key figure in PKR’s reformist wing but also left lingering divisions within the party’s ranks.

A direct clash between Anwar’s daughter and one of his Cabinet ministers could pose a political dilemma for Anwar, who has long campaigned on party unity and reform.

Party nominations are set to open today and tomorrow, with internal leadership polls to follow on May 23.

Nurul Izzah entered politics after Anwar’s 1998 sacking as deputy prime minister and his subsequent jailing, which sparked the Reformasi movement and paved the way for the establishment of PKR.

Nurul Izzah previously said she would contest the PKR vice-presidency this year, a post to which she was appointed after sitting out the 2022 party polls.

However, recent mishaps during the division-level elections – ranging from technical glitches to allegations of mismanagement of votes – have fuelled speculation that factions within the party are unhappy with Rafizi’s leadership and are now urging Nurul Izzah to enter the fray.

Rafizi yesterday said that he was ready to step down from his party and Cabinet posts and focus on grassroots campaigning if he was not re-elected in the party polls.

Leaders such as Selangor PKR chief Amirudin Shari and Wanita PKR chief Fadhlina Sidek have called for Nurul Izzah to contest the deputy president’s post, and she has also received the backing of state divisions from Selangor, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Melaka, Johor, and Sarawak.

However, she has been coy about whether she will contest. Yesterday, she said she respected the views of the grassroots and leaders who had urged her to vie for the second-highest post in the party, adding that she would make the “the best decision”.

Another party leader said uncertainty over whether Nurul Izzah would contest did not reflect well on PKR.

“People are watching PKR. We’re the party in government now. We can’t afford for internal uncertainty to spill out in public and drag on,” the source close to the leadership said.

“It seems like an ad hoc move. No one expected Nurul Izzah’s name to be floated. But if she contests… it’s good to have competition.”

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar has vowed to make “the best decision” on contesting the party’s central leadership elections, amid calls for the former MP to run for the deputy presidency.

Nurul Izzah said she respected the views of the grassroots and leaders who had urged her to vie for the second-highest post in the party, which is currently held by Rafizi Ramli.

“PKR is at a crucial juncture. Therefore, every decision must consider not only the need to unite the party and strengthen the bonds among fellow comrades, but also to bring meaningful change to ensure that the party remains relevant.

“I will make the best decision possible to balance between consensus, friendship, change, and meaningful reforms for all members.

“My final decision will not be for the sake of any individual, but to build PKR’s future together,” she said in a Facebook post.