Rafizi keen on debate, Nurul Izzah says no

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Rafizi keen on debate, Nurul Izzah says no



Elill Easwaran

Nurul Izzah Anwar says the focus should be on reducing tension within the party, calling PKR to focus on the next general election instead

Nurul Izzah Anwar said her priority was on engaging directly with PKR delegates rather than participating in activities that could heighten internal friction.

SHAH ALAM: Nurul Izzah Anwar has dismissed calls for a public debate between her and Rafizi Ramli as they vie for the PKR deputy presidency, although Rafizi is eager to take part in such a debate.

At a press conference here today, Nurul Izzah said their focus should be on reducing tensions within PKR and reaching out to party delegates.

She said her priority was on engaging directly with delegates rather than taking part in activities that could heighten internal friction.


“We want to reduce tensions because our priority is to engage with the delegates. More importantly, I want to continue my work, including programmes with the women’s wing and outreach with youth members.

“I don’t want us to get too caught up in politicking. It’s not about that. It’s about meaningful engagement with all our divisions,” said the PKR vice-president.


However, at his own event in Mentakab, Pahang, Rafizi said he was keen on debating Nurul Izzah, arguing that this would allow PKR delegates and the public to judge for themselves who would be a better PKR deputy president.

He believed that this could even alleviate tensions within PKR while drawing greater public interest in the party.

“Let us debate. I would be able to present my views, Nurul Izzah would also be able to do the same, and in the end, party members and all Malaysians can decide (who is better suited for the post).

“I’ve had debates with Khairy Jamaluddin and intelligent figures in PAS, such as the Bachok MP (Syahir Sulaiman). So I believe Nurul Izzah can take part in one.


“It can be held by an independent organiser so that we can lower the ‘temperature’,” he said.

Rafizi and Nurul Izzah are in a one-on-one contest for the PKR deputy presidency, which Rafizi won in the 2022 party elections. Nurul Izzah, who did not contest then, is currently an appointed party vice-president.

Nurul Izzah called for PKR to place greater focus on the next general election, saying recent data from multiple pollsters had deepened her concerns about the party’s prospects if it loses its focus.

“We have to actually focus more on GE16 because I’m genuinely concerned after the findings of Merdeka Center, Ilham Centre, and so on,” she said, without elaborating on the data.


“We need to ensure that we’re reaching out not just to our core base, but also to the fence sitters.”

In a speech earlier, Nurul Izzah made a heartfelt appeal to PKR delegates to give her their votes as the party’s next deputy president.

“Give me a chance – let us nurture love, compassion and patience among one another. Let go of ego, frustration and resentment.

“I want to emphasise that despite the party elections, my main agenda remains the ‘Wanita Mendunia’ programme. Even if I don’t win, it’s all right – I will continue my work,” she said.

Also present was PKR vice-president Amirudin Shari, who echoed the call for unity and purpose beyond internal contests.

“We want to ensure that this party plays a major role in forming the next government. We want a Malaysia that is peaceful – not one divided by racial politics,” said Amirudin, who is seeking to defend his vice-presidency.

“In these party elections, we’re not offering members personal rewards, but rather offering Malaysians a vision of what they will get with PKR in government.”

Amirudin concluded his speech by laying out PKR’s ambitions heading into GE16 – to win 50 parliamentary seats and to continue supporting Anwar as the next prime minister.

PKR currently has 31 seats in the Dewan Rakyat.