Kuala Lumpur: Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has rejected the notion that if Nurul Izzah Anwar loses the PKR deputy president election, it will give the impression of rejection of president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. Saifuddin Nasution said the competition for the position in the PKR Election for the 2025-2028 term is only between Nurul Izzah and incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and nothing more.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Saifuddin stated that the choice between Nurul Izzah and Rafizi does not reflect the support or rejection of Anwar. He emphasized that party members are solely focused on evaluating the two candidates before making a decision. This was articulated during a press conference after a monthly gathering of the Ministry of Home Affairs (KDN).

Rafizi, speaking in Kedah, expressed concerns that PKR might face risks if Nurul Izzah lost the party election, especially with the 16th general election (GE16) approaching. However, Saifuddin maintained that the election should be approached with unity and warned against factionalism that could lead to internal divisions and hinder post-election efforts.

Saifuddin underscored that the election is not about competition between opposing factions but rather about collective unity. He encouraged all candidates to adopt a mindset of togetherness. He further stated that once the National Congress concludes on May 24 and the final decision is made, the parties within the Unity Government must focus on preparing for the upcoming Sabah state election.

Saifuddin, who holds dual responsibilities as PH secretary-general and a member of the PKR Political Bureau, affirmed his commitment to continue playing a role within these capacities.