Nurul Izzah Declares Candidacy for PKR Deputy Presidency, Addresses 'Family Party' Label

KUALA LUMPUR, May 9, 2025 – Nurul Izzah Anwar, a prominent figure in Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), has officially announced her candidacy for the party’s Deputy Presidency for the 2025-2028 term, emphasizing a renewed commitment to grassroots empowerment and party unity ahead of the 16th General Election (PRU-16).

In a statement released today, Nurul Izzah addressed longstanding criticisms labeling PKR as a “parti anak beranak” (family party), a perception she claims has been used to undermine the party since its founding in 1998. She dismissed accusations of nepotism, arguing that open democratic contests within the party, backed by grassroots support, are the antithesis of such claims.

“Whether I contest for Vice President or Deputy President, the label persists,” she said, referencing her victories as PKR Vice President in 2010, 2014, and 2018, when she secured the highest votes. “The mandate from the grassroots is the foundation of our democracy, not nepotism.”

Nurul Izzah highlighted her decision in 2018 to resign from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in protest of then-Prime Minister Tun Mahathir Mohamad’s failure to ensure opposition leadership in the committee. She also revealed rejecting a ministerial appointment after Pakatan Harapan’s 2014 election victory to avoid serving in a cabinet alongside her mother, Dato’ Seri Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, then Deputy Prime Minister.

“Even if elected Deputy President, I have no interest in a cabinet position,” she clarified, urging rational discourse to distinguish between familial appointments and democratic elections.

Grassroots Empowerment and Election Strategy

Nurul Izzah underscored the critical role of PKR’s grassroots machinery, describing branch-level members as the party’s “backbone” for over two decades. Her primary mission, if elected, will be to strengthen these branches, particularly in 50 marginal seats, to ensure a cohesive strategy for PRU-16.

“Victory in PRU-16 cannot be achieved by individuals alone,” she said. “We need a united front—branches, grassroots, and effective outreach that resonates with the people’s needs.”

She called for a return to PKR’s founding ideology of justice, socioeconomic equity, and inclusivity, urging the party to bridge divides between its central leadership and grassroots to remain relevant to Malaysians.

Appeal for Unity and Civility

Addressing recent personal attacks from within PKR, Nurul Izzah expressed disappointment over derogatory remarks targeting her personal life, including her marital status. She urged members to refrain from attacking fellow leaders and comrades, advocating for respectful debates grounded in facts rather than emotions or insults.

“This is the party we built together. We can differ in ideas, but let us do so with decorum and wisdom,” she said, quoting the Malay proverb, “Biduk lalu, kiambang bertaut” (As the boat passes, the water hyacinth reconnects), symbolizing unity after differences.

A Call to Rebuild PKR’s Spirit

Quoting the Quran (Ali-Imran:159), Nurul Izzah framed her candidacy as a collective responsibility rooted in consultation and trust in God. She pledged to listen, empower branches, and work collaboratively to restore PKR’s original spirit of reformasi, forged in 1998.

“Whether elected or not, my loyalty remains with PKR,” she said. “Let us rebuild our internal strength, foster camaraderie, and bridge ties with coalition partners to represent the people effectively.”

Nurul Izzah concluded with a formal declaration: “With Bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I, Nurul Izzah Anwar, offer myself as a candidate for PKR Deputy President 2025-2028. If deemed suitable by PKR delegates, I will strive to serve with utmost dedication.”

The PKR elections, set to shape the party’s leadership ahead of PRU-16, are expected to be closely watched as the party navigates internal dynamics and public perceptions.