25/05/2025

NATIONAL 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 25, 2025 Nurul Izzah faces defining test after PKR victory

Weekly focus on party affairs to strengthen unity

JOHOR BAHRU: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged to strike a better balance between leading national development and strengthening PKR, which he also heads as president. Beginning next month, Anwar will dedicate one day each week to focus solely on party matters, including efforts to consolidate PKR’s grassroots strength at the division level. “Previously, I was overwhelmed by the responsibilities of my new role as prime minister. I aspire to see Malaysia rise and become a great nation in the coming years, so I had to give national issues my full attention. “To the central leadership council, I apologise because over the nearly three years I have served as prime minister, I have paid the least attention to party matters. Was that the right decision? Certainly not.” Anwar urged PKR members to come together and strengthen party unity following the conclusion of its central leadership election. “I urge all comrades to foster unity. Do not assume that those who win should claim everything, or that those who lose are entirely defeated. Learn from weaknesses, draw on your experience and continue contributing meaningfully to the party.” He also encouraged members to offer criticism with wisdom and decorum, stressing the importance of respectful discourse. – Bernama PETALING JAYA: “There is still hope after all” – a phrase former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli repeated twice in an emotional message to party members following his defeat in the race for the deputy presidency. The Pandan MP said the result of the internal election would not alter his political convictions, emphasising that he had never entered politics for titles or positions. After 27 years in PKR – during which he faced 16 court cases – Rafizi said he is now ready to embrace a quieter life, away from what he described as the “shenanigans of the corridors of power”. “Seven criminal and nine civil defamation suits for exposing numerous financial scandals. “I have probably spent more time in court than the average lawyer. I was sentenced to three years’ imprisonment (suspended) under the Official Secrets Act for my role in exposing 1MDB.” In his statement, he expressed gratitude to his supporters and reaffirmed PKR’s enduring commitment to fighting corruption and building a multiracial, progressive Malaysia. “I am proud of the ordinary PKR members and supporters who have staunchly stood by this ideal throughout the campaign, even when all odds were stacked against me. There is hope after all. “Thank you for the hundreds of messages expressing support. Thank you to those who offered their prayers. I was deeply moved when a few young party members shed tears, pleading with me not to walk away from PKR despite the sting of betrayal. There is hope after all.” Rafizi bows out with grace

PETALING JAYA: With the dust barely settled from a fiercely contested PKR election, newly elected deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar now faces a defining test, to heal a divided party and lead it into the next general election alongside Pakatan Harapan allies. Having unseated Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli in a straight fight for the No. 2 post, analysts say the former Permatang Pauh MP must rally the party ahead of the 16th general election (GE16). International Islamic University Malaysia Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri, who is also a fellow at the ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute, said Nurul Izzah must now prove herself a leader in her own right, not merely the daughter of party president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. “That Puteri Reformasi label highlights her long-standing struggle, but it also tethers her to her father’s legacy. She needs to show she’s her own person. From what I know, she’s challenged him before and she should keep doing so.” Syaza noted that Nurul Izzah enjoys strong grassroots backing thanks to her approachable image and the unifying tone of her Damai campaign. “Backed by party division leaders, she’s in a good position to regroup PKR. While pushback from Rafizi’s camp is expected, a mass walkout looks unlikely. Many are watching Rafizi’s next New deputy president urged to unite party, prove independence and rally grassroots ahead of GE16 BY IKHWAN ZULKAFLEE newsdesk@thesundaily.com

Azmi said one of Nurul Izzah’s immediate priorities should be persuading Rafizi to remain in the Cabinet, a key step in proving she can lead the whole party. – BERNAMAPIC

president Nurul Izzah Anwar, for their continued contributions to the party and the public. He added that the government has introduced targeted subsidy reforms to reduce dependence on oil revenues and ensure long-term financial sustainability. “The Madani government will continue to drive structural reforms to strengthen the education, health and housing sectors. Programmes such as Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah and rural infrastructure initiatives reflect our commitment to safeguarding the people’s well-being.” – Bernama Analyst Khoo Kay Peng agreed, saying her top priority must be to reconnect with the grassroots, particularly after her loss in Permatang Pauh, a seat held by her family since 1982. “She needs to regain that ground. Rebuilding trust among grassroots members would cement her role as deputy president and bolster her credibility as a national leader.” With Anwar serving as both party president and prime minister, Khoo said any perceived successor must demonstrate leadership ability beyond party lines. experience alone would not be enough to galvanise public support. “She must tackle the friction in the party while navigating a political landscape shaped by populism, reform fatigue and growing demands for inclusivity. Malaysians who want a better future will be watching closely but time isn’t on her side.”

could play a crucial role in brokering reconciliation.” Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Prof Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian echoed that view, noting that unity will be her biggest hurdle with GE16 on the horizon. While factionalism is expected during internal polls, he said Nurul Izzah’s deep roots in PKR give her the platform to consolidate support. “She was just 18 when the party was founded. Now at 44, she has credibility, strong communication skills and a resonant presence. As a woman, her visibility matters and she’s been consistent on issues such as poverty, education and national unity. She can serve as a bridge between factions, helping ensure that party policies are not just debated but implemented, which is crucial to regaining trust both within and outside the party.” However, political analyst Dr Lim Teck Ghee warned that

move but for now, she must reassure members she remains committed to reform.” However, she cautioned that Nurul Izzah is now seen as part of the inner circle and rebuilding trust will be a challenge. “It won’t be easy but if she builds bridges with other leaders, she could revitalise the party’s youthful base.” National Council of Professors fellow Prof Dr Azmi Hassan said one of her immediate priorities should be persuading Rafizi to remain in the Cabinet, a key step in proving she can lead the whole party, not just her faction. “It’s hard to shake off claims she benefits from her father’s support. To build credibility, she must reunite PKR’s top ranks.” Azmi recommended that she seek support from party veteran Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. “Saifuddin’s experience surpasses hers for now. He managed to engage Rafizi during the campaign and

Anwar calls for unity and reform ahead of GE16 KUALA LUMPUR: PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged party leaders and members to strengthen the organisation, expand their networks and prepare for the 16th general election (GE16). The prime minister described PKR as more than just a political party, calling it a people’s movement that amplifies the voice of real change. the struggle is long,” he said in a post on Facebook. Anwar said his presidential address at the 2024/2025 PKR National Congress yesterday was not merely a summary of government policies, but a call to action and a declaration of intent to ensure PKR remains a beacon of hope for Malaysians. strengthen integrity, reject corruption in all forms and ensure governance is rooted in justice, transparency and accountability. “Reform is not about speed or popularity. It demands wisdom, patience and well-thought-out strategies.

“We must learn from figures such as Umar Abdul Aziz and Vaclav Havel, who showed that meaningful, lasting change requires sincerity and wisdom.” Anwar also expressed gratitude to PKR leaders, including former deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and incoming deputy

He stressed that the party must stand firm against the politics of hatred, slander and racism, which only serve to divide the people and weaken the nation. “I emphasise that reform efforts must continue fearlessly to

“I invite all PKR leaders and members to continue to be the voice of those who are suffering, defenders of the weak and upholders of the values of truth, although the path is not easy and