Nurul Izzah says quitting PKR deputy president post came after 'long consideration'
The PKR leader says she is stepping down to pursue further studies but will remain a party member.
Nurul Izzah Anwar says her decision to relinquish the post of PKR deputy president was made after long consideration, to allow her to pursue further studies.
She said the move also opened space for her to continue serving in ways not necessarily tied to politics.
"This decision was made after long consideration, to take a new step in pursuing further studies grounded in service and contribution, and not necessarily tied to the world of politics," she said in a statement today.
Nurul Izzah thanked PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and the party leadership for taking note of her decision.
"Alhamdulillah, I express my fullest appreciation to the president and the party leadership for taking note of my decision to relinquish the post of PKR deputy president," she said.
Despite giving up the post, she stressed she would not be leaving the party.
"I will remain a member of KEADILAN, giving support to the struggle towards a better Malaysia embraced by the party leadership under Anwar Ibrahim and its grassroots," she said.
She also expressed confidence in Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Amirudin Shari.
"I am confident that Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as deputy president and Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as election director will carry out this trust with wisdom, discernment and diligence in shouldering the people's hopes," she said, praying that their tasks be made easier. (Quotes translated from Malay.)
Earlier, PKR's central leadership council (MPP) decided to grant Nurul Izzah temporary leave after discussing her application to step down as deputy president.
PKR communications director Fahmi Fadzil said the leave would begin after the 2026 National Congress until a date to be announced later.
"After hearing the views of Nurul Izzah and the leadership, the MPP agreed to grant temporary leave," he said in a statement after the MPP meeting.
During her absence, Saifuddin, a PKR vice-president, will carry out the duties of deputy president. The MPP also agreed that Amirudin, also a vice-president, would fully assume the responsibilities of party election director.
Nurul Izzah has held the deputy presidency since May 23 last year, after defeating then incumbent Rafizi Ramli in the party polls in Johor.
She is scheduled to open the PKR Wanita and Angkatan Muda congresses on Aug 14, before her temporary leave begins.
"God willing, we will meet at the KEADILAN National Congress on Aug 14-15, 2026," she said, thanking members and leaders at all levels for their trust, criticism, prayers and sacrifices.
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