Rafizi Izzah Could Be Ideal Combination For Pkr Says Analyst

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PKR members should work towards uniting Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar, who are vying for the party’s deputy presidency, an analyst said.
Universiti Malaya’s sociopolitical analyst Awang Azman Awang Pawi said both figures could form an ideal leadership combination for the continuity and future of PKR.
“The contest between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah - two prominent figures in the history of the reformasi movement - presents a dilemma between maintaining idealism and addressing the needs of realpolitik.
“Uniting them would be the ideal formula for PKR’s future, transcending the deputy president election, regardless of who wins.
“The best approach for PKR is not to choose one over the other, but to unite both in a leadership structure that represents two key pillars of the party: reformist idealism and strategic competence,” he told Malaysiakini.
The showdown between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah has become a central focus of the upcoming PKR election set for May 23.
Both are actively campaigning and touring the country to meet grassroots party members.
So far, many party branches and grassroots leaders have voiced early support for Nurul Izzah, although Rafizi remains a powerful incumbent and was instrumental in Pakatan Harapan’s victory in the 15th general election.
Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah AnwarStrengths and weaknesses
Awang Azman noted that through Rafizi’s campaign style, he is projecting an image of a firm, strategic figure who dares to challenge the status quo.
“His most significant contributions include election campaign strategies and his consistent efforts in exposing scandals such as the National Feedlot Corporation and 1MDB.
“He also played a vital role in Harapan’s victory in GE14 and in shaping the strategy for GE15,” he said.
On Nurul Izzah, he remarked: “She presents a more moderate image, bringing strength through her charisma, the image of women in politics, and her symbolic consistency with reformist ideals since 1998.
“She has an edge in intergenerational relations and the ability to ease internal party tensions. Her main advantage lies in her strong grassroots network, especially among women and youth. She is seen as a unifying figure who avoids causing division,” he added.
However, according to Awang Azman, both have their weaknesses.
“Rafizi’s weakness is his communication style, which can at times be perceived as lacking diplomacy.
“Nurul Izzah faces perception issues, with critics linking her candidacy to her father’s legacy and seeing her as less aggressive than Rafizi in handling external pressure or internal party friction,” he said.
Strong grassroots support
Azmi Hassan from the Nusantara Academy of Strategic Research believes Nurul Izzah is more suited for the deputy presidency due to her popularity and grassroots support.
“The fact is, Rafizi cannot boast about his cabinet position. He was appointed minister because he is the deputy president. As the economy minister, he is not particularly popular - not just among opponents but even within PKR.
“Nurul Izzah lacks experience, holds no cabinet post, and is not an MP. But for the deputy presidency, strong grassroots support is vital, and we now see many PKR branch chiefs expressing support for her.
“That shows Rafizi is not popular among the grassroots. Popularity is a crucial factor for strengthening the party internally. In this regard, I find Nurul Izzah more suitable,” he said.
Both are assets
However, university lecturer Tajuddin Rasdi favours Rafizi, especially due to his political experience in elections.
Tajuddin noted that Rafizi and Nurul Izzah are veteran PKR members and not parachute candidates with no experience.
Academic Tajuddin Rasdi“However, in moving forward towards the general election, Rafizi is more experienced. He proved this when the party suffered losses in several by-elections while he was inactive.
“When he returned in 2018, he led a remarkable victory without Anwar Ibrahim, who was in prison. In 2022, Rafizi and Anwar led Harapan to victory together. We have yet to see how Nurul Izzah would lead such a campaign battle.
“For the greater good of the country and Harapan, I still lean towards Rafizi, but we must wait to see how Nurul Izzah charts her own path,” he said.
He believes both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah are vital figures in national politics.
“Neither of them has used racial or religious sentiments for personal gain.
“To me, both are invaluable assets to PKR,” he added. - Mkini

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