Nurul Izzah brings 'momentum wave' like Rafizi did, Adam says

Summary

• Adam Adli explains that he is now supporting Nurul Izzah in the PKR deputy presidency race as she is bringing a ‘wave of momentum’ into the party, just like how her opponent Rafizi did years ago.

• The incumbent PKR Youth chief says both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah have their own strengths and a loyal and numerous support base.

• He also believes the party won’t fracture even though tempers are currently flaring, saying they opposing factions will make piece once the polls are over.

Four months ago, before the PKR election heated up, there was an internal suggestion within the party that the top two posts should not be contested, to maintain party stability ahead of the next general election.

Fast forward to today, PKR - the party led by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim - is facing the risk of fracturing following an intense contest for the deputy president’s post.

Anwar’s daughter, Nurul Izzah, is challenging the incumbent, Rafizi Ramli, who has made a series of public outbursts during his campaign in recent weeks.

Like many others in the party, PKR’s outgoing Youth chief Adam Adli Abd Halim initially supported the idea of not contesting the top two posts, but has since switched to endorsing Nurul Izzah.

When asked about the shift, Adam explained that Nurul Izzah had sparked a “wave” similar to the one Rafizi had brought during the previous party election.

“I was one of those who supported the idea at the time (that the deputy presidency should not be contested), because I saw there was support, and if it was genuine, I wanted to support it too.

“It had nothing to do with the president (Anwar) - it’s a bit too late now. But the narrative has already been framed. I don’t know where this idea came from that we supposedly wanted to topple Rafizi.

“I was also among those who supported the decision not to contest the party’s top two posts.

“But we had never seen a wave like this (for Nurul Izzah). I also represent many young people in the party, and we’re close to Nurul Izzah - we see her as someone who has always supported and helped PKR Youth’s initiatives. So, I feel it’s only natural that most of us support her,” he told Malaysiakini during an interview in Petaling Jaya on Monday.

From unity call to endorsing Nurul Izzah

Adam explained that although there had been a proposal not to challenge Rafizi, the party still opened nominations.

“At the time, we knew a few others were also considering running, but they later withdrew and so on,” he said.

When asked about the strengths and weaknesses of Nurul Izzah and Rafizi, the Hang Tuah Jaya MP said both had their own abilities and supporters.

“Each of them has their own base. They each bring something to the table, and the party really needs leaders with strong support to mobilise it.

“I won’t compare their strengths and weaknesses. I’ll just say both of them have passionate followers.

“I’m not saying other candidates don’t have support, but it’s rare to see this level of charisma within our party.

“When Rafizi returned to active politics during the last election, he brought a wave (of momentum) into the party. I see the same happening now with Nurul Izzah. That’s her strength.

“As for weaknesses, it’s still too early to comment - let’s give them both a chance,” Adam added.

Rafizi first contested the PKR deputy presidency in late 2018 but lost to Azmin Ali. He went on a political hiatus after that party election.

He made a high-profile return in 2022 and was elected deputy president with a resounding victory over Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

Before nominations for this year’s party polls opened on May 8, Saifuddin was said to be considering a challenge against Rafizi.

However, he decided to sit out the deputy presidency race following a series of meetings and consultations with party leaders, including Anwar and Rafizi.

‘The party won’t split’

Despite recent tensions, Adam believes the friction arising from this PKR election will not result in a split like those seen in the past.

Citing the Malay proverb “biduk lalu, kiambang bertaut” (those in dispute will make peace once the crisis is over), he said the saying is often repeated during party elections, and that PKR has moved beyond the phase where members feel betrayed.

“If we compare it to the pre-Sheraton Move era, it was a very different and much harsher time. Party elections back then saw chairs being thrown, doors broken, fights breaking out - that was the past. Even if I wasn’t officially a member at the time, I was there.

“That era is over. What we’re seeing now - even if it’s called a sibling rivalry - is genuinely a competition to prove who is more capable of carrying this responsibility.

“There’s no need to label someone as unfit, or a traitor, or evil, or the mastermind behind anything. We shouldn’t equate this with the kind of words used by anonymous commenters online - that’s just people adding fuel to the fire,” he said.

Adam also noted that this time, clashes and disagreements only began once nominations opened - unlike in the past, when tensions had begun much earlier.

“In terms of the arguments made by leaders, sometimes the criticism can be sharp - but believe me, it can still be reconciled. Even in the last election, the clashes were quite intense.

“This time, it won’t reach that level (of a split). I’m not sure how else to put it, but I feel like I know everyone who’s contesting this time. Back then, it was different - people had already been fighting two or three years before the election,” he said.

Adam, who turns 36 in July, will be stepping down as PKR Youth chief due to the age limit and seeks to be elected to PKR’s central leadership council.

The PKR Youth and Women’s congress will open tomorrow evening (May 22). Polls for the central leadership council and the wings will be held the next day (May 23), and the official PKR congress will also open on the same day.

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