Puteri reformasi and eldest daughter of jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, Nurul Izzah said she will not be cowed by threats trying to stop her from getting involved in active politics.

She told malaysiakini that although the recent attacks by several individuals against her home and her family were very scary, such threats and harassment could never stop her from continuing her fight for justice.

"I strongly believe that politics is the best platform for those keen to help the rakyat in attaining justice. Mere threats should never deter anyone from being involved in such a noble cause.

"If I have any intention to enter politics, such harassment can never stop me. Of course, we have to take certain precautions. (But) why should it scare you? Each of us is a fighter. It (the threats) would only increase my resolve," she said.

Asked whether she has the intention to enter active politics, Nurul Izzah said her priority now is her studies. She is a third-year electronic engineering student in Universiti Tenaga Nasional (Uniten).

She also noticed that the harassment against her family and home had heightened recently and like her mother, Dr Wan Azizah Ismail, she worries for the family's safety.

Quick action

"In the last incident, we were lucky because Nurul Iman (second youngest child) acted quickly as soon as she saw the man with the parang in the garden. She quickly bundled Hana (the youngest child) upstairs and notified my mother. They managed to hide in one of the rooms. I dare not imagine what would happen if she was not quick enough," she said.

She also talked about the phone calls she received in early June from an unknown woman who uttered several vulgar Malay words which she said are too "embarrassing" for her to repeat.

When asked if the woman had specifically told her to stay off politics, Nurul Izzah said no specific demand was made.

"But the call came after The Star reported that I was tipped to contest in the Lembah Pantai constituency in the next elections. Before that, there were no such calls," she said.

Much to her relief, she has not encountered such harassment from either students or lecturers at Uniten.

"At Uniten, everything is conducted professionally so far. Of course, I get the occasional criticisms. I was also asked about statements I had given to the media, like why I said this or that," she said.

Concerned people

Asked who these people are, she merely referred them as "possibly certain people in the university who are concerned about me".

"I'd like to think that they asked me those questions because they are concerned about me. I try not to pre-judge people."

She also said that before Uniten accepted her application, there was a request for her to sign a special Akujanji (pledge) to which she objected.

She said her father was upset and outraged after being told about the request and she was advised to fight against any injustice and stand up for her rights. After lengthy discussions with her parents and their lawyers, it was certain that she will not be signing any pledge for anyone.

"But thank God, five months after I applied, Uniten accepted me without my having to sign it," she said.

Nurul Izzah also said that as a student studying in a local university, she understands the harassment faced by student leaders who are given very little space to fight and uphold their principles, adding that it is unfair for the present student leaders to be compared with those of the 1970s era.

Complaints were 'hidden'

She also questioned the authorities for allowing Puteri Umno to target local university students in the political wing's membership drive even though the government has repeatedly warned students against taking active part in politics.

She claimed that students' complaints against Puteri Umno were 'hidden' by their respective vice-chancellors.

"During the last university elections, the government had discreetly tried to eliminate student groups seen to be 'anti-government'. They organised a forum for the student representatives councils from all universities in the country. Deputy Education Minister Aziz Shamsuddin was present and people (believed to be from the police department) were revealing names of students who are alleged to be "threats to national security", she said.

Asked for her opinion on Puteri Umno, Nurul Izzah said it would be unfair for her to comment on the organisation or its leader, Azalina Othman.

"But I must say this. Any organisation which caters for Muslims must have an underlying Islamic principle which can guide their members. I am not talking about wearing tudung or anything like that. That is one aspect of the religion but so is reform, justice and other positive values," she added.

On her personal life, the 22-year-old said she does not have a steady boyfriend but was quick to add that "if romance comes my way, I will not push it away".