Malaysia: PM Anwar's Daughter Steps Down as PKR Deputy President for Studies

Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, has stepped aside from her role as deputy president of the People's Justice Party (PKR) to focus on her academic pursuits. The decision, announced on August 6, marks a significant personal move for the prominent political figure.

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This decision was made after much deliberation as I embark on a new path to pursue further studies, a journey rooted in service and contribution and not necessarily bound by the world of politics.

In a statement, Nurul Izzah explained that her choice followed "much deliberation" as she embarks on a "new path to pursue further studies." She emphasized that this new journey is "rooted in service and contribution and not necessarily bound by the world of politics." She extended her gratitude to the party president, who is also her father, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and the party leadership for their understanding.

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I extend my deepest appreciation to the party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the party leadership for acknowledging my decision to step down as PKR’s deputy president.

Despite stepping down from the deputy president position, Nurul Izzah affirmed her commitment to remaining a PKR member and supporting the party's mission for a "better Malaysia." She expressed confidence in the new leadership, including Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who will assume her duties, and Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, the election director, to carry out the party's mandate with wisdom.

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I am confident that Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as de­­puty president and Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as election director will uphold the people’s aspirations and carry out this mandate with wisdom, prudence and diligence.

PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil confirmed that the party's central leadership council granted Nurul Izzah a temporary leave of absence. She is expected to officiate the meetings of the women's and youth wings at the upcoming PKR national congress. The council also acknowledged recent state election outcomes and welcomed new party members.

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We discussed Nurul Izzah’s request to step down as deputy president and, after hearing her views and those of the party leadership, the council agreed to grant her temporary leave of absence, which will begin after the national congress for an indefinite period.