Nurul Izzah Takes Leave from PKR Deputy President Post for Further Studies

Nurul Izzah Anwar, the eldest daughter of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, is stepping back from her position as deputy president of the Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) to focus on further studies. The party's central leadership council granted her a leave of absence rather than accepting her resignation from the second-highest post.

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This decision was made after careful consideration, as (I) embark on a new chapter by pursuing further studies grounded in service and contribution, without necessarily being tied to the world of politics.

Nurul Izzah, 45, stated that this decision allows her to embark on a new chapter of study and contribution without being solely tied to politics. Her move comes about 14 months after she won the deputy presidency in a closely contested internal election. Her ascent to the role had previously faced accusations of nepotism, given her father's leadership of the party.

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She is principled on some issues, and was not willing to shift on them.

Sources close to Nurul Izzah suggest her decision is linked to disagreements with certain party directions and internal pressures. She is described as principled and unwilling to compromise on specific issues. While she affirmed her continued commitment as a PKR member and support for the party's goals, her absence from the deputy president role is seen by analysts as potentially long-term.

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I will continue as a member of (PKR), and lend support for the struggle towards a better Malaysia.

Political analysts believe Nurul Izzah's differences in opinion with her father regarding the party's direction might be a factor. They suggest that a return to her previous role would likely depend on a change in party leadership. Although PKR has framed her departure as a temporary leave, the circumstances indicate that her return to the deputy president position is not anticipated in the near future.

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I’ve been told (she wanted to resign) because of tension with the president. So my point is, if it’s a different president and leadership, maybe she might return.