Latest news with #PermatangPauh
Barnama
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
'Puteri Reformasi' Now PKR Deputy President
JOHOR BAHRU, May 23 (Bernama) -- Nurul Izzah Anwar has solidified her position in the top leadership of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) by winning the deputy president post for the 2025-2028 term, marking a significant milestone in her political journey. The success of the 'Puteri Reformasi' in securing the post from the sole contender and incumbent, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli, reflects the grassroots' confidence in her role and ideals that she has championed since PKR was founded nearly three decades ago. Nurul Izzah won with 9,803 votes. Rising from the vice presidency, the 44-year-old Nurul Izzah has now ascended to the party's second-highest position and is regarded as a leading figure of PKR's new generation of leadership ahead of the 16th General Election (GE16). Nurul Izzah, the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who is also PKR president, and Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, held the vice-president post from 2010 until her resignation in 2018. During the party election in 2022, Nurul Izzah did not contest but was reappointed to the same post. After various rumours, she confirmed her candidacy for deputy president on May 9, taking into account the views of the grassroots. Prior to this, the Penang State Leadership Council chairman successfully retained her position as Permatang Pauh division chief in the 2025-2028 election. Nurul Izzah, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Universiti Tenaga Nasional and a Master's degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University, USA, advanced her political career by winning the Lembah Pantai parliamentary seat in GE12, defeating the then-incumbent Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil. She retained the same seat in GE13 before shifting to Permatang Pauh, winning decisively in GE14, but lost in GE15.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Fahmi: Those who fail can still contribute to PKR
Ensuring a smooth operation: Fuziah (left) checking up on the preparations for the PKR National Congress at the Persada Johor Internation Convention Centre in Johor Baru. - Bernama JOHOR BARU: Candidates who fail in PKR's central committee elections will likely be given opportunities to still contribute to the party, says its information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil. 'I believe that about two months after this election, the leaders will go down to the divisions in the state to strengthen unity and rebuild ties,' he told reporters here. 'The party is always thinking of ways to harness all its strength and provide space and opportunities, perhaps certain positions or functions (for the unsuccessful) so that all those who contested can still contribute ideas and energy to the party.' The party is scheduled to elect office-holders for the 2025-2028 term at its National Congress today where all attention has been fixed on the contest for the deputy presidency between incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar. Fahmi added that the theme of bringing the party together will also be among the topics in party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's speech. 'I believe the message (the president) will present is also about how we can unite the party each time after an election. 'He will surely also touch on matters related to the country's administration, our efforts to advance the reform agenda at the federal level, the success achieved and challenges faced, including issues such as the trade war, tariffs and related matters,' he said, Bernama reported. Anwar, who is also Prime Minister, is expected to launch the PKR National Congress tonight. Fahmi added that he is confident that the contest will not split the party. 'So, I expect, God willing, that the election process this time to be better, and there won't be any recurrence of incidents like in Melaka (during the 2022 PKR election) and that we can, instead, achieve unity and solidarity. 'Even the friends I met at the grassroots level, such as when I was in Langkawi (Kedah), we sat down at the same table although we were from different groups. 'Yet, we all want the party to be united to give strength to the PKR president to carry out reforms,' he said. Fahmi said this after a briefing session for the media regarding the PKR National Congress central leadership election process, which was also attended by PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh and central election committee chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa. The election will see a total of 32,030 delegates voting physically and online. 'We have asked several telecommunication service providers to ensure there are no disruptions throughout the election process,' he said on the preparations for a smooth election.
Free Malaysia Today
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
What the Rafizi-Nurul Izzah contest means to me
In some ways, it is very difficult for a hardcore reformist like me to write this article, whether on behalf of PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli or appointed vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar. For me, Nurul Izzah was the shining beacon of the Reformasi movement, alongside her mother, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, following Anwar Ibrahim's incarceration. In the first 10 years of Reformasi, Wan Azizah and Nurul Izzah were the only conscience and morality of a sick nation. I came to know and eventually admire Rafizi in 2018 when he began campaigning from lorries until his voice became hoarse, an approach he continued to adopt until Barisan Nasional was toppled after 61 years in power. Then, in 2022, I thought PKR was done for, but Rafizi again stepped up, returning from a sabbatical he took in 2018 to almost lead Pakatan Harapan to victory in the last general election. Anwar also played his part, of course, touring the country at 70 for a chance to be at the helm. Unfortunately the tide turned against Nurul Izzah when PAS, via fear mongering and fanning race and religious issues, wrestled Permatang Pauh away from her. For me, the contest between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah is proof that PKR has two very strong future leaders of Malaysia. However, when their candidacy was announced, pundits were quick to create several simplistic analyses and narratives. One narrative painted a picture of PKR as a party being broken by a challenge featuring the member of a dynasty and an ambitious incumbent. Another opined that Nurul Izzah was an Anwar proxy against Rafizi, who has come to be known for his management skills. It is a clash of ideologies, one that pits Anwar's old 'Reformis Melayu' style against Rafizi's corporate ideals. A third narrative suggests that infighting between the leaders in PKR will probably be disastrous not only for the coalition but also the country. Well, I wish to paint a very different picture. My picture is that of hope and anticipation that this contest will signal a new phase of change in Malaysia. Firstly, if Rafizi and Nurul Izzah represent the future leaders of our country, I definitely do not think that either would ever play the race and religion card or resort to May 13 rhetoric. I have never heard either one of them uttering such sentiments. They have both stayed true to the new politics and not adopted the practices of old, favoured by the likes of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno Baru. I do not think that either one of them will declare others as infidels or pray for misery to befall their fellow Muslims. These two are the antithesis to the likes of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari and, therefore, there is hope for us Malaysians. Secondly, a political party operating within the country's democratic framework must itself uphold democratic principles. If so, the battle between the two leaders is just an example of PKR being true to its ideals. Thus, the party is better than one that postpones its election, better than another that has a gentlemen's agreement to place leaders in positions without competition or a party that declares that the incumbents of its top two positions cannot be challenged. For me, a party that dares to allow a competition for the deputy presidency despite its waning support shows an inner strength that dares to question and revive. Thirdly, both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah will not be of 'Umno DNA'. Despite simplistic accusations of nepotism and a mocking of PKR as 'Parti Keluarga Rakyat', I believe both leaders have had enough of the Anwar-Mahathir saga in politics. It would be a bonus for Malaysia that, come GE16 or at the very least GE17, we could actually move on from the Reformasi pages of our history. Although Rafizi and Nurul Izzah are products of 'Reformasi' politics, they have never shown themselves to be in complete agreement with Anwar's template for reform. To me this is not a sign of disloyalty. Instead, it shows a maturity and courage to challenge the ways of old. Fourth, the outcome of the battle may hint at the prospects of Nurul Izzah becoming Malaysia's first female prime minister. I cannot think of any woman from Umno, Bersatu, PAS or even Amanah who can challenge her for that accolade. I must admit that I am not a feminist and never have been one but I think we are more likely to see our first female prime minister even before the US sees its first woman president. Fifth, to prevent that from happening, we may well see the Rafizi of old — the one who goes to the ground with his power point slides and statistical analyses. Although it takes much, much more to be the prime minister in Malaysia, it is good that we have a potential leader who knows how to analyse and research voter patterns to ascertain what Malaysians want. It is something both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional do not do, simply because they take it upon themselves to tell the public what they should want, and use race and religious issues to cover up corruption and inept management practices. We know what Rafizi is about. Now, let's see what Nurul Izzah has for her campaign tours. So, that is what this Rafizi-Nurul Izzah contest means to me—a new future and a new hope. To me, it does not matter who wins. As the rock group Scorpions song goes, I am sensing now 'the winds of change', either way. The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Palestine cause transcends religion, politics and borders, says Azalina
KUALA LUMPUR: Defending the Palestinian people transcends religion, politics and national borders. Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the cause was a fight for humanity and required continued commitment in advocating for justice and compassion for those suffering in Gaza. "This struggle is more than just about religion, politics or national borders. It's a fight for all humanity," she said in a Facebook post. Azalina said Malaysia was well-positioned to play a meaningful role in the matter, having proven its ability to unite people of diverse backgrounds for a common humanitarian purpose. "Malaysia is indeed well-suited to play this role, because we have proven that we can unite as one voice, despite our diverse backgrounds," she said. Azalina also thanked former Permatang Pauh member of parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar for her support in championing the Palestinian cause. "Thank you, sister Nurul Izzah Anwar, for your support in our struggle to defend the rights of our brothers and sisters in Gaza," she said. She also congratulated Nurul Izzah on her nomination for the PKR deputy presidency, expressing hope that it would mark the beginning of greater participation of women in mainstream politics. "Congratulations on your nomination as PKR deputy president.
New Straits Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Rafizi: PKR delegates must pick leaders who can address key issues
SEREMBAN: PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has called on delegates voting in the party's upcoming polls to choose leaders capable of resolving pressing issues. He said the coming party polls will be vital to strengthening PKR ahead of the next general election, following the formation of the unity government. Rafizi said the new leadership lineup must address issues raised by the public, including the economy and corruption. "Don't just chase positions and power for the sake of it," he said at his Hiruk roadshow in Melaka and Negeri Sembilan last night. "There is a responsibility that must be fulfilled towards the party and the people, especially as we have only about two years left before the next general election. "At the very least, we (PKR) still have an advantage. Even if some people may not like us, when asked which party is capable of handling economic issues, we are still ahead," he said. Rafizi, who will defend his deputy president's post, is embarking on a series of engagements to meet grassroots members and brief them on his plans. Meanwhile, Rafizi said many people had sought to join PKR and vie for positions after the party rose to power following the 2022 general election. "When we were struggling, no one wanted to stand with us. That's the reality for long-time members like me, Tok Min (Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun), and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad — we've been through this process. "But after coming to power in 2022, there was a surge of new members joining and competing for positions and power." He claimed that certain factions were even trying to oust veteran members in favour of their preferred leaders. "The truth is, we still have a long way to go. This party election is important because we cannot assume we'll be in government forever," he said. Also present was Aminuddin, who is a PKR vice-president and the Negeri Sembilan menteri besar. Rafizi will take on former Permatang Pauh member of parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar for the deputy president's post on May 23.
