The Tragicomedy Of Parti Keluarga Rakyat

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Some Malaysian political parties (or ministries) are like family-run businesses, and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is neither the first nor last to show favouritism for a family member.
Special posts can be created specifically for family members, like when former tourism minister  Nazri Aziz created the post of “special officer” for his son, Nedim.
He may not have been on the government payroll, but who wouldn't like to be whisked to exotic locations in first-class on an all expenses paid “belajar sambil melawat”?
A month into his tenure as prime minister, Anwar quietly nominated his eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah, to be his senior advisor on economics and finance.
ADSThere had been no prior public announcement or newspaper reporting. He must have known this would upset the public, so when she inadvertently mentioned this special post in a mainstream media interview in February 2023, all hell broke loose.
Anwar dismissed the allegation of nepotism and said, “Nepotism is where (a family member) is given a position to abuse power, enrich themselves, obtain contracts, and get paid a huge sum.”
Does Anwar think we are daft? When relatives are given special positions, including within political parties, they can wield enormous influence, and few people dare challenge them because of the blood ties.
They are in an extremely powerful position, but are not accountable to the public.
Malaysians were not convinced by Anwar’s definition of nepotism, and the public backlash prompted Nurul Izzah’s removal.
However, it was very concerning when she kept popping up in overseas locations whenever her father was present for a conference or summit. When quizzed, Anwar’s aides would say her expenses had been paid for by NGOs.
When these politicians were in the opposition, they would have cried out, “nepotism”; but as the ruling party, their aides will come to the rescue with daft comments like “the public should not question the PM’s decision”.
Propaganda overdrive
Towards the end of April 2025, Nurul Izzah suddenly declared that Reformasi was not dead, and she urged Malaysians to be patient because reforms take time.
It felt strange that reformasi had been brought up for no apparent reason, but now we know why.
At around the same time, many negative newspaper reports were circulating about PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s absence in the cabinet, his extended leave, and his alleged resignation.
Even Bersatu Youth joined in the chorus, questioning Rafizi's absence.
Rafizi RamliADSSo, was it a coincidence that a week later, intense lobbying started for Nurul Izzah to vie for the deputy president’s post in PKR?
PKR vice-president Shamsul Iskandar Akin, who is also PKR Hang Tuah Jaya chief, and other Malacca division chiefs openly declared their support for Nurul Izzah to challenge Rafizi.
Shamsul hailed his boss’ daughter as someone who is “capable of advancing reformist values, driving change, and translating the people’s aspirations more effectively”.
Really? Didn't her electorate reject her in Permatang Pauh? What are her notable achievements besides spearheading the movement to free her father from prison?
What has she done to advance women’s causes? What has she done to stimulate change? What has she done to ban child marriages or polygamy, or urge the education minister to introduce sex education in schools, or to help single mothers who have been abandoned by their polygamous former husbands?
With Nurul Izzah gaining increasing support for the deputy presidency, Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil denied the charge of nepotism.
Nurul Izzah AnwarHe, like others in PKR, was confident of her capabilities, her integrity as a future leader of PKR, and her “high diplomacy to unite party members”.
The PKR Women deputy chief, Faizah Ariffin, voiced support for Nurul Izzah because “no woman has occupied the position before”. Is that it?
Pasar Gudang MP Hasan Abdul Karim claimed that he opposed nepotism, but said that Nurul Izzah was an ideal candidate for the post as she has been involved in PKR’s struggle since she was 18. Seriously?
Slippery slope of nepotism
None of these people appear to listen to the rakyat, who understand that with nepotism, the seeds of mistrust will be sown among the rakyat.
Nepotism goes against democratic principles and diminishes equal opportunities. Nepotism discourages highly qualified and more experienced contenders from participating.
Posts that are filled with people with blood ties instead of merit will eventually lead to inefficiency, potential conflict of interest, possible abuse of power, probable misuse of funds, and discrimination.
We’ve seen firsthand with Malaysian political dynasties that family members occupy important positions, and family businesses (and cronies) often “win” lucrative contracts.
Anwar has been a huge disappointment for Malaysians who supported change. PKR is no longer seen as a party which champions justice and equal rights. PKR behaves more like Parti Keluarga Rakyat. Mother, father, daughter.
The weakest link in the Madani administration is PKR, with its never-ending internal conflicts, personality clashes, power struggles, and the sidelining of potential young leaders.
Malaysians are fed up with playing family charades.
Perhaps, Nurul Izzah is being groomed to be the prime minister. Her qualification? Being Anwar's daughter.
Perhaps Rafizi should challenge Anwar for the top post. - Mkini
MARIAM MOKHTAR is a defender of the truth, the admiral-general of the Green Bean Army, and the president of the Perak Liberation Organisation (PLO). Blog, X.
The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of MMKtT.

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