PETALING JAYA: Nurul Izzah Anwar today chose the vice-president card over that of deputy president, saying that it is the better race for her to run for now.
The Lembah Pantai MP unexpectedly found herself in the limelight last week when Zaid Ibrahim offered to withdraw from the deputy presidency race if she was keen on the same position.
The PKR election committee recently also confirmed that she had received the minimum number of nominations to contest for the number two spot. However, Nurul ultimately decided to stick to the original position for which she was vying.
“I believe that this is the best position for me right now,” she said. “But whether deputy or veep, at the end of the day it is the commitment towards reform that really matters.”
“I'm appreciative and mindful of the support shown towards me, but I also have to look at it objectively and be level-headed about it...”
Nurul promised a campaign of “simplicity and substance”, saying that she aimed to bring about a culture of hope and liberation through her candidacy.
When asked whether she would extend the same support to Zaid, Nurul firmly said that she would continue to maintain her neutral stance.
Crucial qualities
Nurul, however, underlined the qualities she deemed crucial for candidates vying for the deputy presidency to possess.
“I think it's really important that next deputy president is visionary, principled and capable of leading the party forward into the next general election. It's not going to be an easy feat.”
Party members have applauded her decision and agreed that she had picked the right race. One of them told FMT that Nurul would win this position “hands-down”.
“Besides, she is still young and is biding her time,” he added. “We think she will be able to achieve much through this position and it will be a step forward to higher ones when the time is right.”
Other leaders who have joined the vice-presidency race include election director Fuziah Salleh, Kuala Langat MP Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid, Sarawak PKR chief Baru Bian, Selangor executive councillor Dr Xavier Jeyakumar, Kapar MP S Manikavasagam, Subang MP Sivarasa Rasiah, Penang Deputy Chief Minister Mansor Osman and communications director Jonson Chong.
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