Hassan said he was against nepotism in political parties or the government, but Nurul Izzah had proven her mettle, having been part of PKR’s struggle since the age of 18.

“Who are we to deny Nurul Izzah’s right to contest for the post just because she’s Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter?” he said, according to Utusan Malaysia.

“I myself have been outspoken in opposing nepotism, whether in political parties or the government, but Nurul Izzah has (earned the right to contest for the PKR deputy presidency) in her own capacity.

“This is an important position and she deserves to helm the post,” said the two-term PKR MP.

Hassan welcomed contests for the post in the central leadership elections, saying it would allow delegates to decide who they wanted to serve as Anwar’s second-in-command in PKR.

In 2023, Hassan had urged Anwar, the prime minister, to review Nurul Izzah’s appointment as his senior economic and financial adviser amid claims of nepotism.

After several weeks, she left the post and was instead made co-head of a secretariat for the advisory committee to the finance ministry.

Numerous top and divisional leaders have stated their support for Nurul Izzah to contest the deputy president’s post, which is currently being held by Rafizi Ramli.

This followed Rafizi’s leave of absence after the PKR divisional polls, which saw the defeat of several bigwigs aligned with him.

Rafizi has confirmed that he will defend his PKR deputy presidency, while Nurul Izzah said she would make “the best decision possible” following calls for her to challenge for the post.

Nominations for PKR’s central leadership elections opened today and close at 11.59pm tomorrow.