What the Rafizi-Nurul Izzah contest means to me
In some ways, it is very difficult for a hardcore reformist like me to write this article, whether on behalf of PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli or appointed vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
For me, Nurul Izzah was the shining beacon of the Reformasi movement, alongside her mother, Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, following Anwar Ibrahim's incarceration.
In the first 10 years of Reformasi, Wan Azizah and Nurul Izzah were the only conscience and morality of a sick nation.
I came to know and eventually admire Rafizi in 2018 when he began campaigning from lorries until his voice became hoarse, an approach he continued to adopt until Barisan Nasional was toppled after 61 years in power.
Then, in 2022, I thought PKR was done for, but Rafizi again stepped up, returning from a sabbatical he took in 2018 to almost lead Pakatan Harapan to victory in the last general election.
Anwar also played his part, of course, touring the country at 70 for a chance to be at the helm.
Unfortunately the tide turned against Nurul Izzah when PAS, via fear mongering and fanning race and religious issues, wrestled Permatang Pauh away from her.
For me, the contest between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah is proof that PKR has two very strong future leaders of Malaysia.
However, when their candidacy was announced, pundits were quick to create several simplistic analyses and narratives.
One narrative painted a picture of PKR as a party being broken by a challenge featuring the member of a dynasty and an ambitious incumbent.
Another opined that Nurul Izzah was an Anwar proxy against Rafizi, who has come to be known for his management skills.
It is a clash of ideologies, one that pits Anwar's old 'Reformis Melayu' style against Rafizi's corporate ideals.
A third narrative suggests that infighting between the leaders in PKR will probably be disastrous not only for the coalition but also the country.
Well, I wish to paint a very different picture. My picture is that of hope and anticipation that this contest will signal a new phase of change in Malaysia.
Firstly, if Rafizi and Nurul Izzah represent the future leaders of our country, I definitely do not think that either would ever play the race and religion card or resort to May 13 rhetoric.
I have never heard either one of them uttering such sentiments. They have both stayed true to the new politics and not adopted the practices of old, favoured by the likes of Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Umno Baru.
I do not think that either one of them will declare others as infidels or pray for misery to befall their fellow Muslims.
These two are the antithesis to the likes of Umno Youth chief Dr Akmal Saleh and PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari and, therefore, there is hope for us Malaysians.
Secondly, a political party operating within the country's democratic framework must itself uphold democratic principles.
If so, the battle between the two leaders is just an example of PKR being true to its ideals.
Thus, the party is better than one that postpones its election, better than another that has a gentlemen's agreement to place leaders in positions without competition or a party that declares that the incumbents of its top two positions cannot be challenged.
For me, a party that dares to allow a competition for the deputy presidency despite its waning support shows an inner strength that dares to question and revive.
Thirdly, both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah will not be of 'Umno DNA'.
Despite simplistic accusations of nepotism and a mocking of PKR as 'Parti Keluarga Rakyat', I believe both leaders have had enough of the Anwar-Mahathir saga in politics.
It would be a bonus for Malaysia that, come GE16 or at the very least GE17, we could actually move on from the Reformasi pages of our history.
Although Rafizi and Nurul Izzah are products of 'Reformasi' politics, they have never shown themselves to be in complete agreement with Anwar's template for reform. To me this is not a sign of disloyalty. Instead, it shows a maturity and courage to challenge the ways of old.
Fourth, the outcome of the battle may hint at the prospects of Nurul Izzah becoming Malaysia's first female prime minister. I cannot think of any woman from Umno, Bersatu, PAS or even Amanah who can challenge her for that accolade.
I must admit that I am not a feminist and never have been one but I think we are more likely to see our first female prime minister even before the US sees its first woman president.
Fifth, to prevent that from happening, we may well see the Rafizi of old — the one who goes to the ground with his power point slides and statistical analyses.
Although it takes much, much more to be the prime minister in Malaysia, it is good that we have a potential leader who knows how to analyse and research voter patterns to ascertain what Malaysians want.
It is something both Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional do not do, simply because they take it upon themselves to tell the public what they should want, and use race and religious issues to cover up corruption and inept management practices.
We know what Rafizi is about. Now, let's see what Nurul Izzah has for her campaign tours.
So, that is what this Rafizi-Nurul Izzah contest means to me—a new future and a new hope.
To me, it does not matter who wins.
As the rock group Scorpions song goes, I am sensing now 'the winds of change', either way.
The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of FMT.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Barnama
an hour ago
- Barnama
Embrace Diversity As A Strength, Not A Source Of Division
KUCHING, June 22 (Bernama) -- Racial diversity should be embraced as a strength to enhance national unity, rather than as a battleground for rivalry or a means to showcase superiority and ego, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said. He said that in many other countries, such diversity has led to racial and religious hostility, eventually burdening the nation and negatively affecting the people. 'Unity within our multiracial society is increasingly essential to ensure that Malaysia remains strong amid the current uncertain global geopolitical landscape. 'Never underestimate the potential problems if you are disunited. The geopolitical conditions are so challenging and alarming. The future is never certain. But what we can ensure is a united Malaysia,' he said. Anwar was speaking at the 2025 Sarawak-level Gawai Dayak celebration dinner at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) here tonight, which was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg. Yang di-Pertua Negeri of Sarawak Tun Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar and his wife Toh Puan Fauziah Mohd Sanusi were the guests of honour at the event. Anwar said as prime minister, he feels proud in showcasing the country's cultural and racial diversity, especially as Malaysia assumes the ASEAN chairmanship this year and when receiving foreign dignitaries and corporate leaders. He said this was exemplified during a recent meeting with ConocoPhillips Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Lance, where he wore a traditional Iban outfit gifted to him earlier by Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi. 'So I told him (Ryan) about Sarawak, about the beauty of the culture, that's what we have to do. And I take great pride as a Malaysian to speak to one of the great multi-billion dollar companies, probably one of the biggest oil companies in the world and number one in the United States,' he said.
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
PM aids ailing single mother living in poor conditions
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has presented a contribution to Melah Idris, a single mother living in poverty and suffering from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol. The contribution was handed over by the Prime Minister's political secretary, Datuk Ahmad Farhan Fauzi, when he visited the 63-year-old mother of eight at her home in Kampung Padang, Kuantan. Ahmad Farhan said the senior citizen relied entirely on her children to cover kitchen expenses and utility bills. 'Her house is in a poor condition, with the bedroom floor already rotting and no longer safe to live in. Yet, her face remains calm, as if she keeps all her suffering deep inside so as not to burden anyone. 'On behalf of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, I am presenting a small contribution and will look into the most appropriate form of assistance for her, not only in terms of financial aid but also in ensuring a safer place for her to live,' he said in a Facebook post shared by the Prime Minister today. In the same post, Ahmad Farhan expressed hope that no citizen would be left to suffer in silence without receiving proper assistance.
New Straits Times
2 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Anwar warns of internal, external threats if unity falters
KUCHING: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the federal and Sarawak governments must work closely together to navigate mounting global uncertainties, cautioning that internal divisions could expose the country to external threats. He said the consequences of disunity should never be underestimated. "The geopolitical conditions are challenging and alarming. "The future is never certain, but what we can ensure is a united Malaysia," he said in his speech at the Gawai Dayak celebration dinner here. Anwar said Malaysia must have leaders with integrity, uphold the principles of good governance, and eliminate excessive corruption and abuse of power. He said that policy clarity, particularly in digitalisation, digital transformation, and energy transition, must remain the focus of the government's efforts. "We must work hard and diligently to support this agenda. We must also be mindful that the moment we crack, there will be forces, both domestic and foreign, waiting to sabotage the progress we have made." Anwar also reminded his colleagues in the federal government that there is much at stake in Malaysia, which must be protected and defended. "Malaysia has emerged as a respectable country. "We are now becoming a hub for semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI) in the region. "Even Sarawak, once regarded as a remote region, has now become a major attraction for foreign direct investment, from Kuala Lumpur to China and Moscow." He said that during a recent economic forum in Davos, Switzerland, he had highlighted Sarawak's immense potential as a hub of energy and development in the region. Also present were Sarawak Governor Tun Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg, and deputy premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah, Datuk Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
