Push for Malaysian PM’s daughter to become party No 2, raises nepotism and division concerns
Elevating Nurul Izzah poses a dilemma for PM Anwar Ibrahim, who has based his platform on principles of transparency, integrity, and a strong anti-corruption message
Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), a key party in the Pakatan Harapan (PH) coalition that anchors Anwar’s “Madani” government, will hold its central leadership elections on May 21, with all positions except the presidency available.
Party branches in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Perak and Pahang have backed the prime minister’s eldest daughter candidacy for the deputy presidency, a post currently held by Economics Minister Rafizi Ramli.
Nurul Izzah, in a statement on Wednesday, expressed her gratitude for the strong support.
“I shall make the best decision balancing between consensus, relationships and friendships, and meaningful change and reform for all members, she said.
Nurul Izzah, one of the party’s seven vice-presidents, has been a central figure in Anwar’s turbulent political journey and is revered by party members as the “Princess of Democracy”. However, she lost the family’s traditional stronghold of Permatang Pauh in Penang during the 2022 general election – a district she inherited from her father and later from her mother.