Internal party pressure among factors for Nurul Izzah's resignation

Nurul Izzah Anwar's resignation as Deputy President of the People's Justice Party (PKR) was reportedly driven by internal party pressures, according to sources within the leadership.

These sources suggest that Nurul Izzah faced criticism for not fulfilling her role and responsibilities as deputy president effectively. They claim that while she participated in party programs and state elections, her efforts were considered insufficient to significantly aid the party, especially during a period of weakness following defeats in the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections. "I don't understand why this happened. After the party elections, we chose Nurul Izzah to continue the party's struggle, but even during the State Elections (PRN), she did participate but not all out," one source told Utusan Malaysia.

Further contributing factors may include criticism from former political associates and a perceived lack of support for her idea to have Rafizi Ramli take on a second deputy president role. The source indicated that this idea's rejection, especially with Rafizi subsequently leaving the party, might have impacted Nurul Izzah. "So, when Nurul Izzah gave the idea for Rafizi to hold the position of second deputy president of PKR, and that idea was rejected, I am quite sure that it also had an impact on Nurul Izzah, especially since Rafizi left the party and took over another party," the source added.

Despite the resignation announcement last Thursday, the PKR Central Leadership Council (MPP) rejected her decision. PKR Vice President Datuk Seri Dr. Zaliha Mustafa urged for space to be given to Nurul Izzah, emphasizing that she remains a party member. "We need to give her space. As per her statement, she is still in the party and has not left the party. The main focus now is to continue strengthening the party and ensure the reform agenda is implemented," Dr. Zaliha stated. There are also indications that Nurul Izzah's leadership performance as Deputy President will be discussed at the PKR Congress starting August 15, with August 16 noted as a potentially 'hot' day for party deliberations and DAP's direction within the government.