The deputy president’s post is now held by Rafizi Ramli, who is economy minister.
In a statement posted on the Facebook page of Hang Tuah Jaya PKR division chief Shamsul Iskandar Akin, they said her candidacy is “not merely about personality or heritage”, but about the party’s future as a progressive political party.
“We need a leader who can bridge the founding generation of reformists with the emerging generation – a leader who embodies moderation, principled values, progressiveness and a visionary mindset.
“We believe Nurul Izzah possesses all these leadership qualities. She can inject new energy into PKR, strengthen synergy with coalition partners in the unity government and carry the torch of our struggle towards building a more just, stable and inclusive Malaysia,” read the statement.
Besides Shamsul, who is also the political secretary to Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the statement was signed by Alor Gajah PKR chief Khuzaire Kamal Kannan, Tangga Batu PKR chief Azlan Osman, Jasin PKR chief Jagatheason Ramiah and Kota Melaka PKR chief Yusoff Ahmad.
They make up five of six Melaka PKR divisions, besides Masjid Tanah PKR division chief Halim Bachik, whose name was not in the statement.
Earlier today, Utusan Malaysia also reported that Perak PKR had called for Nurul Izzah to contest the deputy presidency in the upcoming elections for the central leadership council.
Perak PKR information chief Azam Afandi said Nurul Izzah, the daughter of party president Anwar, was no stranger to the party’s struggles and had proven her grit and principles through the years.
Azam said she also had the vision and values that the party needed to face future challenges.
Nurul Izzah previously said she would contest the PKR vice-presidency, a post to which she was appointed after sitting out the 2022 party polls.
A divisional leader earlier urged Rafizi not to defend his post and to instead make way for Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to take over the deputy president’s position.
Saifuddin has yet to decide whether to contest the central leadership elections. Rafizi has said he will be defending the deputy presidency.