Nurul Izzah tipped as PKR deputy presidency frontrunner, say Shahril and KJ

New Straits Times

16-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: Nurul Izzah Anwar is emerging as the leading contender for the PKR deputy presidency, according to two former Umno leaders.
According to FMT, former Umno information chief Shahril Hamdan said the party's machinery appears to be aligning behind her despite her recent return to active politics.
He said Nurul Izzah's entry into the race had disrupted expectations that the top two positions in PKR, the presidency and deputy presidency, would go uncontested.
"Within a week of her announcement, it's clear that the party establishment is backing her," said Shahril in the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast.
He also commented on the unusual nature of Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's campaign, pointing to the latter's recent remark encouraging members to vote for Nurul Izzah – a statement Rafizi later clarified as a sarcastic quip.
Shahril said Rafizi had gone so far as to say he would resign from his ministerial post if he lost the contest, suggesting it was a strategic move to frame the stakes of the race.
"He's being clever. On one hand, he's threatening to quit if he loses, but at the same time, he's implying that others – perhaps Izzah – didn't win in GE15 but still want to contest."
Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin also defended Nurul Izzah's decision to run despite her electoral defeat in the 15th General Election.
"People say she lost her seat, so she shouldn't contest. But we must consider the context. There was a strong political wave in the northern states.
"Even someone like Reezal Merican couldn't hold on to Kepala Batas," he said.
Khairy stressed that electoral outcomes do not always reflect a candidate's capabilities.
"Sometimes, voters choose based on parties, not personalities."
Both Shahril and Khairy acknowledged the potential political ramifications of the party election results.
"If Rafizi wins, it could signal a divide between him and Anwar. If Nurul Izzah wins, Perikatan Nasional will likely exploit it as nepotism," Shahril said.
Khairy, however, believes any negative fallout would be short-lived.
"If Rafizi wins, he'll build a narrative of unity with Anwar. If Izzah wins, she can argue that she was elected by party members and that political dynasties are not unique to PKR, they are common across many parties," he said.
He also contrasted the candidates' approaches, describing Rafizi's campaign as data-driven, with emphasis on voter sentiment among Malays, Chinese, and Indians.
In contrast, Nurul Izzah, he noted, has focused on promoting party unity.