PETALING JAYA — Former Permatang Pauh Member of Parliament Nurul Izzah Anwar has announced her decision to step down as PKR deputy president to pursue further studies, stating that public service extends beyond political office.
In a statement on Thursday (Aug 6), Nurul Izzah thanked party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the PKR supreme council for respecting her decision to relinquish the deputy presidency.
“Following extensive deliberation, I decided to embark on a new path by pursuing further studies rooted in serving the people, which is not necessarily tied to the realm of politics,” Nurul Izzah said. “I will continue to be a PKR member, giving my support in the struggle for a better Malaysia.”
She expressed full confidence in Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who has taken over the deputy president duties in an interim capacity, alongside PKR election director Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
Leadership Grants Leave Instead of Full Resignation
Despite Nurul Izzah’s request to fully relinquish the post, PKR information chief Fahmi Fadzil clarified that the party leadership decided instead to grant her a temporary leave of absence from her duties following the party’s upcoming national congress.
Nurul Izzah confirmed she will fulfill her immediate party commitments, including officiating the joint opening of the Wanita PKR and PKR Youth congresses on August 14 and attending the main national assembly next week.
Addressing party members, she expressed her appreciation for their “unending trust, feedback, prayers, and sacrifice” throughout her tenure.
Shift in PKR Leadership Framework
Nurul Izzah was elected PKR deputy president in May 2025 after defeating incumbent Rafizi Ramli in a closely watched party election. The fallout from that contest led to Rafizi’s departure from PKR, alongside former vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, to establish a new political entity, Bersama.
Her step back from active party leadership marks another major transition for PKR’s top hierarchy as it enters its national congress.
