Nurul Izzah's victory may fuel family dynasty narrative, analyst warns
PETALING JAYA : The narrative surrounding Nurul Izzah Anwar's rise to PKR's No 2 spot must be tempered to counter claims about her family's grip on the party, an analyst said.
Universiti Malaya's Awang Azman Pawi said if Nurul Izzah's camp fails to manage and explain the situation properly, she risks losing PKR's ideological diehards and younger supporters.
'If not handled inclusively, this victory could also cause internal splits or dissatisfaction among other leaders, including Rafizi Ramli's supporters, thereby weakening the party from within,' he told FMT.
Nurul Izzah won by a landslide in a two-way fight with incumbent Rafizi for the PKR deputy presidency on Friday.
According to the party election committee, she garnered a total of 9,803 votes, or 71.7%, while Rafizi obtained 3,866 votes.
Awang Azman said Nurul Izzah's win was not a personal victory, but a reflection of a trend within PKR which was trying to balance idealism and pragmatism of power.
'For PKR, this is an opportunity to show that familial ties do not necessarily equate to nepotism. Instead it could represent a blend of tradition and modernity, and a form of strategic unity.
'However, this must be managed wisely and inclusively ahead of the next general election,' he said.
University of Tasmania's James Chin said Rafizi should refrain from making any disruptive moves for now, as he plays a crucial role in holding the government together.
'I hope Rafizi will not leave PKR, will not throw tantrums and choose to remain in the Cabinet. I hope they can accommodate him. Because I think over the long term, Rafizi and Nurul Izzah make a good team, and will be PKR's strength,' he said.
Merdeka Center's Ibrahim Suffian agreed that the Rafizi-Nurul Izzah combination would prepare PKR well for the next general election.
He said Rafizi's polling numbers showed he has significant support from the grassroots, and that this is not the end of the road for the economy minister.
As for Nurul Izzah, he said, her win was about the continuity of Anwar's vision for the party and the government that he currently leads.
'It will also mean that she will have a prominent role in preparing the party for the general election and making up for the shortfalls that have dogged it in the past.
'While Anwar will lead the government, she will be strengthening the party in clear coordination with him,' he said.
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