PKR rejects Nurul Izzah's bid to quit, grants temporary leave instead

PKR has rejected Nurul Izzah Anwar’s request to resign as deputy president, opting instead to grant her temporary leave after the party’s 2026 National Congress.

Party communications director Fahmi Fadzil said the decision today came after the party’s central leadership council discussed her request.

“However, after hearing the views of Nurul Izzah and the leadership, the council agreed to grant her temporary leave beginning after the 2026 National Congress until a date to be announced,” Fahmi said in a statement today.

The council, chaired by PKR president and prime minister Anwar Ibrahim, also decided that vice-president Saifuddin Nasution Ismail would temporarily carry out the duties of deputy president during her absence.

Nurul Izzah (above) was elected deputy president in May last year after defeating incumbent Rafizi Ramli in a straight fight during party polls.

The former Permatang Pauh MP secured 9,803 votes against Rafizi’s 3,866, moving up from the vice-presidency to become the party’s number two for the 2025-2028 term.

According to Fahmi, Nurul Izzah is still scheduled to officiate the PKR Women and Youth congresses in Malacca on Aug 14.

READ MORE: Nurul Izzah reiterates intention to quit post, calls Saifuddin 'deputy president'

The party leadership also decided today that vice-president Amirudin Shari would fully take over as PKR election director.

Separately, the council said it accepted and respected the results of the recent Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections and thanked party workers involved in both campaigns.

As co-election director, Nurul Izzah had made brief appearances on Harapan’s campaign trails in Johor and Negeri Sembilan.

It also expressed appreciation to former Negeri Sembilan menteri besar Aminuddin Harun for his service over the past two terms.

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