PKR president Anwar Ibrahim has accused certain party leaders of being "deceptive", "greedy" and uninterested in party unity which ultimately led to Nurul Izzah Anwar's resignation as party vice-president and Penang PKR leader.
"Despite being elected vice-president with an overwhelming majority and appointed Penang PKR chairperson following a convincing majority of the state’s division chiefs, she has chosen to step down.
"This is an indictment of certain individuals within the party leadership ranks whose deceptive platitudes place individual greed above party unity," he said in a statement today.
Anwar said he had discussed the matter at length with Nurul but could not share details other than that she was "sick and tired" of the "deception and machinations" of those playing politics.
Anwar had appointed Nurul, his eldest child, as Penang PKR leader on Sunday. She resigned a day later, explaining that she would want to focus on being a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) member and Permatang Pauh MP.
Her resignation was followed by that of Johor PKR chief Hassan Karim, who claimed that selection process for the state leadership was opaque. There were also grumblings over the appointment of Mohamad Suparadi Mohd Noor as Kelantan PKR chief.
Below is Anwar's statement in full:
“The media has been abuzz with news of Nurul Izzah’s unprecedented move of stepping down from her positions in both PKR and the government. Many think it is an impulsive act that was not well thought out. However, I believe that it is completely in keeping with the character of someone who has always had the courage to stand up for her ideals and beliefs.
Nurul Izzah and I have discussed her intention to step down at length. It is not my place to divulge details, but I do know that with “the pace of political developments (having) been relentless for the last nine months,” she is sick and tired of the deception and machinations of those who are far more interested in playing politics instead of focusing on helping the rakyat they purport to serve.
For example, there is disillusionment by the recent jumping of Members of Parliament to save their political skins or worse still, to shore up power for nefarious ends.
Despite being elected vice-president with an overwhelming majority and appointed Penang PKR chairperson following a convincing majority of the state's division chiefs, she has chosen to step down.
This is an indictment of certain individuals within the party leadership ranks whose deceptive platitudes place individual greed above party unity.
For the last 20 years, the spirit of ‘Reformasi’ has been burning within Nurul Izzah. She, alongside fellow reformists, have remained steadfast and persevered against a multitude of challenges as they remained true to its path.
The 9th of May was a watershed for many reasons, but our victory in attaining greater democratic space will count for nothing if the agenda for reform is sabotaged.
While I cannot deny that her decision is a great loss to not only PKR but to the entire nation, I call on all party members and indeed all Malaysians to respect her decision, and give her space to reflect on and ultimately decide on her next course of action.
With her sense of duty and commitment, of placing the interests of the rakyat above hers, I have no doubt that she will continue to serve honourably and admirably."
