26-05-2025
Nurul Izzah must prove she's more than just 'Anwar's daughter'
SHAH ALAM - The outcome of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) election, which saw incumbent Deputy President Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli defeated by Nurul Izzah Anwar, was anticipated from the outset.
This change indirectly reflects not only an internal power shift but also the grassroots' desire for a more harmonious and less confrontational approach in the post-15th General Election (GE15) political landscape.
However, with less than 30 months remaining until the 16th General Election (GE16), the success of the new leadership, now leaning towards a 'politik kasih sayang' (politics of love) approach, must be tested in its ability to unite the party machinery and regain support from young voters and the middle class.
Although Nurul Izzah is seen as having a clean, progressive and inclusive image, her main challenge lies in rebuilding the grassroots structure, which has appeared weakened since PKR joined the government.
Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) political analyst Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian believes the first action the party's new leadership should take is to reconcile and consolidate its ranks to face the real political opponents outside the party.
He said this step is especially important ahead of GE16, which will be the real battlefield for gauging public support for the party led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
'PKR must also show that the party is bigger than any individual by ensuring national political stability is maintained. Today, PKR is the ruling party alongside other coalitions under the Unity Government.
'They must also increase the level of loyalty or 'wala' to the party. Although PKR is open, and practises democracy and freedom, the party's identity and ideology must be preserved.
'Perhaps within the next 30 months, the new team must unveil strategic issues to strengthen the party in addressing sentiments and perceptions that may have been tarnished following Rafizi's faction's defeat,' he told Sinar Harian.
In the PKR election for the 2025–2028 term, Rafizi, who is also the Pandan Member of Parliament, lost to Anwar's eldest daughter by a majority of nearly 6,000 votes.
For the record, the Economy Minister had previously lost to Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali in the contest for the same position in 2018.
Based on current developments, Sivamurugan opined that it is crucial for Nurul Izzah, as the new Deputy President, to prove that she is not merely 'Anwar's star', but a figure with credibility, reputation, authority and the capacity to carry the responsibilities of the position, beyond family ties perceived by outsiders.
He said a more moderate and balanced political approach could be promoted as a key agenda by ensuring the party is strengthened through various leadership layers so that generational gaps and evolving expectations may be bridged.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Media and Information Studies Psychological Warfare Centre political analyst Dr Noor Nirwandy Mat Noordin said Nurul Izzah's victory should be acknowledged by society and PKR members, as it reflects the delegates' will to choose the current leadership.
He also noted that society has high expectations to see reform elements that could benefit both the public and party members.
'It is a new challenge for the PKR leadership to ensure the party remains relevant in the country's political arena, as well as to better align the party's interests with government machinery.
'This is also a necessary preparation, as GE16 is expected to be more challenging given the openness, the influence of social media algorithms, and artificial intelligence, which may become strategies in psychological warfare.
'It is important for all politicians, including PKR leadership, to be aware of this as it will shape the direction of the country's political future,' he said.
PKR's strategist cannot be sidelined
Rafizi's role as the 'architect strategist' of PKR's campaign machinery cannot be overlooked, as he has proven to be the most effective strategist the party has had.
Despite the current challenges, Sivamurugan said the former right-hand man of Anwar should be persuaded to continue playing a different role within the party.
'Perhaps there will be disappointment for a while, including among his supporters, but PKR cannot deny that Rafizi has played a major role in its success so far.
'The Deputy President position is only for one person, but beyond position, rank and status, he remains significant and can still contribute. Perhaps the president (Anwar) could consider offering him another position.
'The question is whether Rafizi is willing to take on another role, as during campaigning he expressed a desire to resign from his Cabinet post. Therefore, the party must consider what further steps should be taken to ensure disappointed members do not cause disruption—not only now, but also during the next election,' he said.
Meanwhile, Sivamurugan expects the Pandan MP to continue strategising in other ways to remain active in politics, as Rafizi is known for being a vocal and open individual.
'Perhaps he will continue his agenda through podcasts while waiting for the situation to stabilise and reassess the need to return to politics,' he added.
