Kota Bharu: Thirteen out of 14 Kelantan PKR branch chiefs have openly declared their support for Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the deputy president post in the upcoming party polls. Kelantan State Leadership Council chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor, in a statement today, said the support was due to Nurul Izzah’s experience as a leader who could further strengthen the party.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the support stems from Nurul Izzah’s more than 25 years of experience in politics and her consistent engagement with the grassroots, which is seen as crucial for steering the party in a more effective direction amid an increasingly challenging political landscape. The 13 branch chiefs who pledged their support represent areas including Tanah Merah, Kota Bharu, Gua Musang, Bachok, Ketereh, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Kubang Kerian, Rantau Panjang, Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Jeli, and Kuala Krai.
Previously, figures such as PKR Youth Adam Adli Abdul Halim, the Prime Minister’s senior political secretary Datuk Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and party branches from several states, including Johor and the Federal Territory, had also expressed their support for Nurul Izzah’s candidacy for deputy president. Nominations for the 2025 PKR Central Leadership Council, Youth and Women’s Wings elections will take place online over two days beginning tomorrow. The PKR National Congress, including for Youth and Women’s wings, will be held from May 21 to 24 in Johor Bahru.
Meanwhile, in Sabah, 21 state PKR branches have expressed their support for Nurul Izzah, describing her as a principled and credible young leader with over two decades of experience in championing the reform agenda. These branches are from Kota Belud, Sepanggar, Kudat, Kinabatangan, Penampang, Kota Marudu, Kota Kinabalu, Kimanis, Sandakan, Tawau, Beaufort, Ranau, Papar, Beluran, Libaran, Pensiangan, Silam, Sipitang, Batu Sapi, Tenom, and Kalabakan.
The branch leaders also expressed their readiness to support any decision made by Nurul Izzah regarding the deputy president post if it serves the interests of the party’s struggle. Her presence in the party’s top leadership is anticipated to invigorate the reform agenda, particularly in championing grassroots voices and advancing the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in Sabah. Her standing as the Reformasi Princess is expected to enhance the party’s image among the younger generation, providing fresh hope and life to the reform movement and ensuring the success of the Malaysia MADANI concept.
However, the branches stressed the necessity of conducting a risk assessment before any announcement is made to avoid unsettling the party with speculations that might create doubts and suspicions. They expressed hope that any decision would continue to strengthen the party and instill confidence in both members and voters, particularly ahead of the upcoming Sabah State Election.