KUALA LUMPUR, May 10 – Parti Keadilan Rakyat’s (PKR) 2025 leadership race will feature a headline clash for the deputy presidency after vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar formally filed her papers to take on incumbent Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli. The nomination window closed at 11.59 pm last night with party sources confirming that no one challenged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who therefore retains the presidency unopposed for another three-year term.
Nurul Izzah’s decision sets up the party’s first direct father-and-daughter pairing on PKR’s top ticket and ends weeks of speculation fuelled by her widespread grassroots backing. Supporters include vice-president and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari, Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek and Youth chief Adam Adli, who argue her candidacy will inject “new energy” into the reformist party.
Rafizi, who captured the No 2 post in 2022 after defeating Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, submitted his nomination yesterday and welcomed the contest as proof of PKR’s internal democracy. Launching the “HIRUK” nationwide roadshow to rally members, the economy minister said he would use the campaign to “reconnect leadership with grassroots and protect the party’s reformist ideals while in government.”
Twelve candidates have entered the race for the four vice-presidential slots, including federal ministers Chang Lih Kang and Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, while Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun and Selangor EXCO alumnus Hee Loy Sian also joined the fray. In the party wings, Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek faces Ampang MP Rodziah Ismail for the Wanita chief role; Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim is unopposed for Youth chief.
Objections close on 12 May, the final candidate list will be released on 15 May, and members will vote nationwide on 23 May ahead of the PKR National Congress in Johor Bahru from 21–24 May.
