Can the appointment of Nurul Izzah, Saifuddin Nasution help PKR win GE16?

Sinar Daily

5 days ago

SHAH ALAM - The appointment of Nurul Izzah Anwar and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) joint election directors marks a significant strategic move by the party as it gears up for the next general election.
The pairing of the party's deputy president and its former secretary-general simultaneously reflects an effort to unite experience, idealism and tactical approaches in preparing for the challenges of the next general election (GE), particularly in strengthening PKR's position within the unity government.
Additionally, this new arrangement seemed to aim at balancing narrative strength and electoral machinery, especially as GE16 is expected to take place amidst intense competition between the government and opposition blocs.
As such, the effectiveness of the election machinery is considered crucial and the combination of two prominent PKR figures offers potential synergy between micro and macro-political strategies.
Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) senior political science lecturer Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan said the dynamic duo could generate fresh momentum for the election, provided they were not overshadowed by toxic or misinformed perceptions that could hinder their capabilities.
Based on their comparable political experience, whether when PKR was in the opposition or in government, he noted that party mobilisation would be more efficient and easier with each of them contributing a unique narrative.
'However, it must be remembered that political cosmetics like this are no guarantee the public will be easily swayed because, ultimately, the true determinant is the government's performance,' he told Sinar on Monday.
Previously, PKR's communications director Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that the appointment was decided during the Political Bureau and Central Leadership Council (MPP) meetings.
He added that the decision could offer an advantage to the party led by President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in the coming elections.
Meanwhile, Ariff Aizuddin opined that the selection of the two individuals did not indicate or open the way for any party to dominate seat negotiations for the GE, as each party has key figures that could be put forward.
Moreover, he noted that PKR was a multiracial party that operated within a coalition framework and must consider the views of its allies.
'It is still too early to assume that this appointment is part of an introductory process.
'There are still many in PKR who could be highlighted, but for now, other political players can be seen as a relevant reserve bench to replace Anwar in the future,' he added. UiTM senior political science lecturer Dr Ariff Aizuddin Azlan (left), PKR veteran Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid (right)
Alternatively, PKR veteran Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid said that the pairing of PKR's deputy president and the Pakatan Harapan (PH) secretary allowed the party's components to work as a strong and united team under the party's guidance and framework.
The former Kapar MP said it was also part of the strategy to win and maintain the current government after GE16.
'The capabilities of both sides (PKR and PH) are crucial as the party's internal machinery is led by Nurul Izzah while PH's machinery is under Saifuddin Nasution,' he said.