'Nepotism in PKR? Untrue' - Fahmi says over push for Nurul Izzah as party No 2

PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil today dismissed allegations that the party practises nepotism, following growing calls for Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the deputy president post.

He said such an issue has never arisen as Nurul Izzah, the daughter of PKR president and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is also a party vice-president.

"Never. Nurul Izzah is the vice-president. She is holding that position now, so such issues never arise," the communications minister told a press conference in Putrajaya this afternoon.

Fahmi was asked to respond to criticisms against PKR following a push by certain party divisions for Nurul Izzah to run for the number two position, which is held by Rafizi Ramli.

While telling the media to refer to a press statement that he and several other PKR division leaders in Kuala Lumpur issued earlier, he said PKR is a party that celebrates democracy.

"So, we leave it to the wisdom of party members to choose the leaders they feel are suitable with their hopes and aspirations, and who they want to lead for the 2025-2028 term," Fahmi said.

Deluge of support

In the joint press statement, Fahmi, together with 12 other PKR division chiefs in the Federal Territories, expressed support for Nurul Izzah to become party deputy president.

They argue that Nurul Izzah has "vast experience" and made great contributions to the party, and are confident that she would get strong support to win the polls.

"This support is not based only on our relationship or nostalgia from our history in this struggle, but is based on our confidence in her capabilities and integrity as a future leader of this party.

"PKR needs a figure like Nurul Izzah, who has high diplomacy to unite party members and strengthen cooperation with our allies," the statement said.

There have been growing calls from within PKR for the former Permatang Pauh MP to run for the deputy president post.

Yesterday, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim's senior aide and PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Akin spearheaded calls of support from five out of six Malacca PKR divisions for Nurul Izzah to step forward and contest the post.

A range of other leaders from PKR Women’s wing, as well as the party's divisions in Penang, Perak, Pahang, Johor, Kedah and Kelantan, have also declared their backing of Nurul Izzah.

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