Noise vs peace: deputy presidency showdown a hint at PKR’s future?

Noise vs peace: deputy presidency showdown a hint at PKR’s future?

PETALING JAYA: As the race for PKR’s deputy presidency heats up, the contest between incumbent Rafizi Ramli and his challenger, Nurul Izzah Anwar, is shaping to be as much about style and strategy as it is about ideology.

Rafizi and Nurul Izzah, both reform icons in their own right, are mounting contrasting campaigns, each reflecting their political persona and vision for the party’s future.

Rafizi’s campaign, branded “Hiruk”—which literally translates to noise or commotion—is understood to represent a fighting spirit, and he has stayed true to its name.

The two-term Pandan MP has been bold, outspoken and unapologetically confrontational over the past week, appearing set on exposing and addressing internal weaknesses within PKR.

He has also raised what he claims are recent lapses in party discipline and leadership accountability, training his guns on multiple leaders from the campaign stage in various states.

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His message resonates with reform-minded urban voters, who view his vocal approach as necessary for internal checks and balances, and even on the unity government.

On the other side of the ring, Nurul Izzah has opted to focus on unifying the party with her “Damai” campaign, which translates to peace or reconciliation.

The appointed PKR vice-president’s campaign has been centred on alleviating tensions and healing wounds among divisions while uniting the party’s grassroots, an approach seen as subtle, gentle and measured.

Her campaign has largely been rooted in emotion and party loyalty, appealing to long-time members and division leaders—with more than 200 of the 222 divisions publicly pledging support for her.

Rafizi’s approach is perceived by supporters, particularly the urban base that forms the backbone of PKR’s base of support, as genuine and necessary, though some have found it harsh and brash.

Others, meanwhile, say Nurul Izzah’s softer strategy lacks substance while her apparent confidence, buoyed by strong support from the PKR divisions, has, at times, bordered on complacency.

However, the sentiments of party members as well as the general public do not always reflect those of delegates voting on Friday.

The ‘nepotism’ challenge

For Nurul Izzah, the perception of nepotism looms large as an unavoidable reality, given that her father, Anwar Ibrahim, is the party president.

While her track record is respectable, she and Anwar would have to manage the optics of him leading the party with her as his deputy.

On the other hand, Rafizi is perceived as independent-minded, bold enough not to toe the party line, and unafraid to call out issues. In a party accused of growing complacent, his presence is seen by some as necessary to keep PKR from turning into a personality cult.

However, that has come with its own baggage, with the economy minister accused, even by the likes of outspoken PKR MP Hassan Karim, of being divisive and trying to sideline Anwar.

Critics have also questioned his priorities after he took one week’s leave from his ministerial duties to “manage” issues that arose during the party’s divisional elections.

The odds and the possible outcome

Based on public declarations and endorsements, Nurul Izzah is the clear favourite to win the race. Almost every division has stated support for her, making Rafizi’s path to victory an uphill battle.

While Rafizi’s campaign may be passionate and fiery, it may not be enough in a party election system that prioritises loyalty and the party structure.

However, this contest is shaping up to be more than just a race between two capable leaders — it is a signal of where PKR is headed as it prepares for the next general election.

On the one hand, Rafizi’s push for speedier reforms and greater internal scrutiny could lead to discontent and infighting within PKR. On the other hand, the path of stability and continuity offered by Nurul Izzah comes with the risk of perceived nepotism.

While both leaders have stated the need to ensure Anwar gets a second term as prime minister, the means by which they go about as PKR deputy president in pursuit of that outcome are invariably going to differ.

The PKR national congress, along with the party’s youth and women’s wing assemblies, will be held from May 21 to 24, with polling for the central leadership elections scheduled for May 23.