PKR needs Nurul Izzah's winning formula for GE16

New Straits Times

12-05-2025

IPOH: PKR deputy presidential candidate Nurul Izzah Anwar is seen as crucial to the party's top leadership as it prepares for the 16th general election (GE16).
PKR Deputy Information Chief Datuk Seri R. Ramanan said Nurul Izzah's leadership was instrumental in PKR's historic performance during the 14th General Election (GE14), when the party secured 47 parliamentary seats, the highest in its history.
"So her track record is proven. The highest number of seats Parti Keadilan Rakyat has ever won was 47, during GE14, when Nurul Izzah was the election director.
"So if this time around Nurul Izzah becomes deputy president and also takes on the role of election director, I think we could even win 70 or maybe 80 seats," he told reporters after meeting 22 out of 24 Perak PKR division leaders here today.
Ramanan, who is also the entrepreneur development and cooperatives deputy minister, said Nurul Izzah's potential return to a key leadership role, including a possible bid for the deputy presidency, could significantly strengthen both PKR and the unity government under the Madani framework ahead of GE16.
For the record, PKR won 31 seats in the 15th general election.
"But if we let the current trend continue, we might drop from 31 seats to just 19.
"That's why we need Nurul Izzah to return and help lift the party again.
"It's not that the party is weak. We just need her back, and the formula she used to win us those 47 seats.
"We need that formula to push us to 70," said Ramanan, who is contesting the vice-president post.
When asked if he officially endorsed Nurul Izzah's candidacy for the party's deputy presidency, Ramanan was unequivocal.
"I support Nurul 100 per cent, actually, 101 per cent.
"I have no other stance. I'm not playing both sides, not jumping between camps. I'm with one camp only, and that's because of her performance.
"It's a track record. It's not about favouritism. I'm not that type, and I've been in politics for a long time.
"But the main point I want to highlight today is that I want the party to win more seats.
"I want a stronger party.
"Now, if she takes the role of deputy president while we are the government, just imagine how many more seats she could deliver, and the kind of spirit she could instil in party members to work harder," he said.
The Sungai Buloh member of parliament also urged grassroots members to make wise choices ahead of the party elections, cautioning against attempts to mislead or confuse.
"My advice to the grassroots members is this, choose wisely. I have to say it, choose wisely.
"Don't let yourselves be misled.
"Sometimes in politics, when people can't convince, they start to confuse (others).
"So stop confusing (people) and try to convince instead. Don't resort to confusion just because you fail to convince," he said.