The Malaysian Insight

PENANG PKR has urged Nurul Izzah Anwar to reconsider her decision to quit as party vice-president and as state chief.

Kepala Batas PKR chief Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abd Rahman said this today, with support from several division chiefs in the state.

“We represent all 13 divisions and asking Nurul Izzah to reconsider her decision, although we respect her decision to quit.

“But we would like her to accept and to continue to shoulder the responsibility entrusted to her as vice-president and state party chief. We are willing to work together with her to lead PKR in the state.

“We would like her to continue her fighting spirit. It will be a loss if she doesn’t take up the leadership posts,” said Zakiyuddin, who is also Penang deputy chief minister I, at a press conference.

Yesterday, Nurul Izzah quit as party vice-president, a post she retained after winning the most votes among all contenders for the four seats available.

She also quit as Penang party chief, a post she was just appointed to on Sunday.

She also said she would leave it to the party leadership to decide on her state-level roles in companies linked to the Penang government, adding that she would also no longer serve the federal government “in any capacity”.

Her decision was apparently driven by the desire to free herself and her father, PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, of further accusations of nepotism in appointments, party sources told The Malaysian Insight.

Her announcement also came as rival Umno is losing its elected representatives, who were becoming independents or joining Bersatu, a PKR ally in Pakatan Harapan.

Nurul Izzah in her statement said there were “beliefs and ideals” she held dear to and felt she could be “most true to them” with her resignation.

She, however, remains as division chief of Permatang Pauh, where she is MP.

Tasek Gelugor division chief Mustafa Kamal Ahmad said there was no issue with nepotism concerning Nurul Izzah.

“We hope she will reconsider her resignation. The divisions in Penang are with her,” the Teluk Air Tawar assemblyman said.

Permatang Pauh PKR women’s chief Dr Norlela Ariffin also said Nurul Izzah had a proven track record as a politician and leader.

As an MP, Nurul Izzah was quick to act when there were issues in the constituency, and hard working in introducing community projects, she added. – December 18, 2018.