Unchallenged Presidential Bid by Anwar: Contention Absent, Competition for No. 2 Party Position Likely a Two-Player Game
In the heart of Southeast Asia, the battle for the leadership of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) is heating up, with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim likely to keep his PKR presidency unchallenged. The race for the number two spot, however, is getting fierce, pitting Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, against the incumbent deputy president and Economy Minister, Rafizi Ramli.
The nomination period closed on May 9, 2025, with Anwar Ibrahim being the sole candidate for the PKR presidency. The top contest, though, is brewing for the deputy presidency, viewed by many as a stepping stone for Anwar's eventual successor.
Nurul Izzah, famously known as the "Reformasi Princess," has gained solid backing from key party figures, including Amirudin Shari, Adam Adli, and Fadhlina Sidek. Reports suggest that over 150 out of 222 PKR divisions have pledged their support for her nomination, bolstering her chances.
The nepotism allegations that surfaced have not deterred Nurul Izzah. Defiantly, she expressed that if she wins the deputy presidency, she has no interest in any Cabinet post, demonstrating her independence and commitment to the grassroots.
Rafizi Ramli, on the other hand, has expressed his welcoming attitude towards any candidate vying for a post and announced plans for a nationwide roadshow to engage with PKR's grassroots and discuss the party's reformist agenda.
The recent divisional polls have not been kind to Rafizi, with some of his allies taking hits. Analysts, however, believe he still stands a solid chance, given his established political career and context-savvy leadership abilities.
Besides the heated deputy presidency race, four vice-president posts will also be up for grabs. Notable contenders include Amirudin, Aminuddin Harun, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and Chang Lih Kang from the incumbent group, as well as Ramanan, R Yuneswaran, Sim Tze Tzin, Sathia Prakash Nadarajan, Abun Sui Anyit, Hee Loy Sian, Mustaffa Kamil Ayub, Manivanan Gowin, and others.
The outcome of the May 23 poll will undoubtedly guide PKR's leadership direction ahead of Malaysia's upcoming general election, scheduled for no later than February 2028. Anwar's tenure as PKR's president is limited to two consecutive terms, making this election critical in determining his eventual successor. The competition between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah makes for an exciting spectacle, with political strategists closely monitoring the unfolding events to predict thedirection PKR will take in the near future.
- The top stories in Malaysian politics currently involve the heated competition for the deputy presidency of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), with Anwar Ibrahim's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, and incumbent deputy president, Rafizi Ramli, being the main contenders.
- Despite the nepotism allegations, Nurul Izzah has gained strong support from key party figures like Amirudin Shari, Adam Adli, and Fadhlina Sidek, with over 150 PKR divisions pledging their support for her nomination.
- Rafizi Ramli, on the other hand, has announced plans for a nationwide roadshow to engage with PKR's grassroots and discuss the party's reformist agenda, despite some of his allies facing losses in recent divisional polls.
- The election on May 23 will be crucial for PKR, as it will guide the party's leadership direction ahead of Malaysia's upcoming general election and determine Anwar Ibrahim's eventual successor, given his limited tenure as PKR's president.
