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Free Malaysia Today
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
Nurul Izzah's victory may fuel family dynasty narrative, analyst warns
Nurul Izzah Anwar won convincingly in her straight fight against incumbent Rafizi Ramli for the PKR deputy presidency on Friday. PETALING JAYA : The narrative surrounding Nurul Izzah Anwar's rise to PKR's No 2 spot must be tempered to counter claims about her family's grip on the party, an analyst said. Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Pawi said if Nurul Izzah's camp fails to manage and explain the situation properly, she risks losing PKR's ideological diehards and younger supporters. 'If not handled inclusively, this victory could also cause internal splits or dissatisfaction among other leaders, including Rafizi Ramli's supporters, thereby weakening the party from within,' he told FMT. Nurul Izzah won by a landslide in a two-way fight with incumbent Rafizi for the PKR deputy presidency on Friday. According to the party election committee, she garnered a total of 9,803 votes, or 71.7%, while Rafizi obtained 3,866 votes. Awang Azman said Nurul Izzah's win was not a personal victory, but a reflection of a trend within PKR which was trying to balance idealism and pragmatism of power. 'For PKR, this is an opportunity to show that familial ties do not necessarily equate to nepotism. Instead it could represent a blend of tradition and modernity, and a form of strategic unity. 'However, this must be managed wisely and inclusively ahead of the next general election,' he said. University of Tasmania's James Chin said Rafizi should refrain from making any disruptive moves for now, as he plays a crucial role in holding the government together. 'I hope Rafizi will not leave PKR, will not throw tantrums and choose to remain in the Cabinet. I hope they can accommodate him. Because I think over the long term, Rafizi and Nurul Izzah make a good team, and will be PKR's strength,' he said. Merdeka Center's Ibrahim Suffian agreed that the Rafizi-Nurul Izzah combination would prepare PKR well for the next general election. He said Rafizi's polling numbers showed he has significant support from the grassroots, and that this is not the end of the road for the economy minister. As for Nurul Izzah, he said, her win was about the continuity of Anwar's vision for the party and the government that he currently leads. 'It will also mean that she will have a prominent role in preparing the party for the general election and making up for the shortfalls that have dogged it in the past. 'While Anwar will lead the government, she will be strengthening the party in clear coordination with him,' he said.
Free Malaysia Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
PKR polls defeat not end of the road for Rafizi, say analysts
Rafizi Ramli could still play a constructive role in PKR and be of great help in the party's preparations for the next general election, according to Merdeka Center's Ibrahim Suffian. PETALING JAYA : Rafizi Ramli's defeat in the contest for the PKR deputy president's post is not the end of his political career if the Pandan MP can recalibrate his strategy, says an analyst. Describing the outcome as a 'sign of changing tides', Awang Azman Pawi believes Rafizi remains a key figure in Malaysian politics despite the loss. 'He is still influential, respected and possesses a broad grassroots network,' said the academic, who noted Rafizi's unique strengths in data analysis and intellectual discourse. 'He should be like a snake that slithers through the roots but never loses its venom,' he said, citing a Malay proverb. Awang Azman Pawi. However, the defeat sheds light on several underlying currents within PKR. Chief among them is the decline in support from his base, particularly among pro-Rafizi factions who are disheartened by the results. 'Rafizi was once at his peak when 'data reform' was the core of his movement. However, now he is perhaps seen as being out of touch with the sentiments of the party's grassroots,' Awang Azman said. Critics have pointed to Rafizi's communication style, which some perceive as being elitist or disconnected, as a potential reason for the shift in support. His forthright stance on issues relating to both the party and the unity government may have inadvertently painted the economy minister as being 'outside the collective', despite intentions aimed at internal reform. Prior to the election, he vowed to resign as economy minister if he failed to be re-elected as PKR deputy president in the party elections. Ibrahim Suffian. Rafizi said it would be a relief if he was no longer part of the Cabinet as it would mean having more time and freedom to speak out on various issues. Merdeka Center's Ibrahim Suffian also dismissed suggestions that Rafizi's loss to Nurul Izzah Anwar signals the end of his political journey. 'I don't think it's the end of the road for Rafizi. He still commands significant support within the party. 'I believe he could very well complement Nurul Izzah in the party's preparations for the next general election (GE16) and continue to play a constructive role in the future.' James Chin. Another analyst, James Chin also said Rafizi's career is far from over – but cautioned that his next move will be critical. 'It is not the end of the road for Rafizi,' Chin stated. 'It depends on what he chooses to do now. If he throws a tantrum and resigns from everything, then it would be very, very bad.'
