22-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Nurul Izzah: Win or lose, Rafizi remains my friend
JOHOR BARU: Nurul Izzah Anwar said Rafizi Ramli would remain her friend regardless of the outcome of their contest for the PKR deputy presidency.
Nurul Izzah is challenging Rafizi, who is seeking to defend the post in this year's party elections.
"Whether I win or lose, it won't affect our friendship. Rafizi has been my friend not only in the past, but now and always.
"Our methods may differ – different mechanisms and different approaches – but if you want to be a leader, you have to put ego aside and accept challenges," she said in her speech at the 'Bersama Membina Parti Kita' grand finale this evening.
In the PKR Congress election tomorrow, Nurul Izzah and Rafizi will go head-to-head for the deputy presidency, a post Rafizi won in 2022.
Nurul Izzah also urged those who lost or chose not to contest to support the leadership for the sake of the party's unity, rather than sow division from within.
She said she had no issue with being a follower of the current leadership after choosing not to contest in the previous election.
"I've already played my role as a supporter, I didn't contest in the last election.
"So I hope for the same spirit when it's my turn to lead.
"We need to keep working together. Let's not get too caught up with who's on top. What's wrong with embracing decisions made collectively?
"Look at my track record – I've contested four times in Malay-majority areas and, Alhamdulillah, I won three times. I may stay quiet and not speak much, but believe me, I will fight to the end," she said.
Recently, Rafizi has been vocal and firm in his criticisms of several party leaders over what he claims are weaknesses in leadership discipline and accountability.
