13 KELANTAN PKR BRANCH CHIEFS BACK NURUL IZZAH FOR DEPUTY PRESIDENCY

KOTA BHARU, May 7 (Bernama) -- Thirteen out of 14 Kelantan PKR branch chiefs have openly declared their support for Nurul Izzah Anwar to contest the deputy president post in the upcoming party polls.

Kelantan State Leadership Council chairman Datuk Seri Mohamad Suparadi Md Noor, in a statement today, said the support was due to Nurul Izzah’s experience as a leader who could further strengthen the party.

“Through her more than 25 years of experience in politics and her personality of always being with the grassroots, she can help steer the party in a more effective direction to face the increasingly challenging political landscape,” he said.

He added that the 13 branch chiefs who pledged their support came from Tanah Merah, Kota Bharu, Gua Musang, Bachok, Ketereh, Pasir Puteh, Machang, Kubang Kerian, Rantau Panjang, Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Jeli, and Kuala Krai.

Previously, PKR Youth Adam Adli Abdul Halim, the Prime Minister's senior political secretary Datuk Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, and party branches from several states, including Johor and the Federal Territory, had openly expressed their support for Nurul Izzah’s candidacy for deputy president.

Nominations for the 2025 PKR Central Leadership Council, Youth and Women’s Wings elections will take place online over two days beginning tomorrow.

The PKR National Congress, including for Youth and Women’s wings, will be held from May 21 to 24 in Johor Bahru.

Meanwhile, in SABAH, 21 state PKR branches have expressed their support for Nurul Izzah, describing her as a principled and credible young leader with over two decades of experience in championing the reform agenda.

The branches voicing their support are from Kota Belud, Sepanggar, Kudat, Kinabatangan, Penampang, Kota Marudu, Kota Kinabalu, Kimanis, Sandakan, Tawau, Beaufort, Ranau, Papar, Beluran, Libaran, Pensiangan, Silam, Sipitang, Batu Sapi, Tenom and Kalabakan.

All the branch leaders also stated their readiness to support any decision made by Nurul Izzah regarding the deputy president post if it serves the interests of the party’s struggle.

“Nurul Izzah’s presence in the party’s top leadership is expected to bring a breath of fresh air and strengthen the reform agenda, especially in championing the grassroots voice and advancing the implementation of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) in Sabah.

“We are confident that her standing as the Reformasi Princess will elevate the party’s image among the younger generation, giving fresh hope and new life to the reform movement and ensuring the success of the Malaysia MADANI concept.

“However, a risk assessment must be conducted before any announcement is made. We do not want the party to remain unsettled by speculations that create doubts and suspicions,” the branches said in a joint statement.

They also expressed hope that any decision would continue to strengthen the party and instil confidence in both members and voters, particularly ahead of the upcoming Sabah State Election.

--BERNAMA