Nurul Izzah Anwar: A Steady Voice for Reform and the People #DemiMalaysia

Nurul Izzah Anwar: A Steady Voice for Reform and the People #DemiMalaysia

7 Jul 2025 • 4:00 PM MYT



Annan Vaithegi
From sharing insights to creating content that connects and inspires



Image Source; Facebook Nurul Izzah


There are some politicians who make noise to get noticed and then there’s Nurul Izzah, who somehow makes waves even when she’s quiet. Whether you like her, love her, or roll your eyes at her famous last name, one thing is clear: she’s a figure who turns heads, sparks headlines, and makes people talk.


Before the fiery speeches and political frameworks, she was just another student caught in the storm of Reformasi in 1999. But rather than sit on the sidelines, she jumped in, co-founding Parti Keadilan Nasional (now PKR) during the political chaos that followed her father’s dramatic arrest.


But make no mistake Nurul Izzah has forged her own path. Her political career began with the Reformasi movement in the wake of her father's controversial imprisonment.


In 2008, when she contested in the general election for the first time, many assumed it was mostly because of her father’s controversial issues. But let’s be real she captured a whole lot of attention not just for politics, but because she was, well, pretty. Suddenly, politics wasn’t just full of uncles and aunties it was, as some joked, a chick in politics!


Her campaign posters ran out faster than party flags at a ceramah. Yes, yes I was one of the volunteers hanging up her posters. People were fighting to hang them outside their homes like she was the new face of a modelling agency, not a party candidate! And yes, I met her too. Tried to flirt a bit but hey, I'm outdated on religion matters, and if she actually fell for me, I’d need to convert. So better not lah. I just told her, “I can see you’re OK, OK,” and left it at that. LOL.


And now… Rara is back to being single. Just exhale. Long one.


Ever since she won in 2008, it wasn't just the posters anymore. She began to appear frequently on TV and online, and many people went, “Oh wow, she’s the youngster,” followed by a long deep breath inhale and exhale mmm.


Then when she contested in the party election for deputy president, everything seemed to align right from the first round till the end until Rafizi Ramli was out of the party. And her daddy's old-school diehard fanboy, Azmin Ali, also went missing from the party radar around the same time she rose up. Coincidence? Maybe. Over the years, it’s funny every time her daddy loses, some good politicians with real vision and mission come and go. Yet somehow, her daddy still supports her all the way. What to do? Cannot do anything lah it's gratitude. She’s his daughter. That’s how she came into politics for me.


And now, finally after all this while of being quiet on Indian community issues Nurul Izzah breaks her silence. But not with just another statement. No, she came in full research mode, saying silence doesn’t mean inaction. Turns out, behind the scenes, she’s been working with economists, NGOs, civil servants, and grassroots leaders on problems like poverty, school dropouts, underemployment, and statelessness affecting the Indian community. The result? A proposed Indian Community Development Framework. Wah, like that also can ah? Respect!


Honestly, we waited so long for her to speak on Indian issues, some of us almost forgot she had a mic. But boom the moment she talks, it's with a full PowerPoint, frameworks, and statistics. I tell you, it’s like the moment she enters politics or contests in party elections, sound systems come alive. From Azmin to Rafizi, she stays silent but somehow she’s always the reason for all the noise. Irony? Maybe. Political art? Definitely.


Now let’s add a bit more spice. And your daddy? Got a beautiful Indian girl asking a solid question, and daddy gave a 'harsh' response that stirred a whole debate on meritocracy. He tried to explain why ethnic quotas cannot be scrapped bla bla. But honestly, a simple answer, and Nurul, coming with a better plan neutral for all races. That itself deserves the highest gratitude to your daughter. What lah daddy you go full debate mode!


Nurul, maybe it's time to learn a few Tamil words start with 'Macha.' Say it during your next ceramah and see the crowd smile. Election is coming lah, time to amplify your voice. Your daddy did it with full surround sound, remember? Now it’s your turn.


And not only you hello to all the Indian reps in PH (yes, PKR and DAP). Your silence is louder than a stadium. Some say dead quiet. But one thing for sure your lives are well secured for the next few generations. Meanwhile, the Indian community still hustling like it's 1980.


So here’s one piece of advice to Malaysian Indians: just ignore this 'quiet politics' mode and do what our parents did work hard, support each other, and keep building your life. Malaysia still got space for you to live well, just don’t wait for magic from Parliament.


And Nurul, let’s not forget you were never quiet when defending your daddy. You went full volume, all platforms, all angles. But now, when it comes to Malaysian Indians? Silent mode activated. Nurul, don't quietly focus on Indian issues like it's a side project. I know minorities can swing the vote and make a big difference, but your biggest vote bank right now is full of doubt about your party.


It's simple look back at all the promises you made to Malaysians. If you really review them one by one, you'll see where the cracks began. From the judiciary to economic inequality to education things didn't magically improve. And speaking of justice, when Chief Justice Tengku Maimun, a successful Malay woman who upheld justice and served as a role model for the nation regardless of race, retired did you even say hello or thank her? Not even a single farewell post on your social media. That silence says more than a thousand words.


Also, think back: since the day you entered politics, have you noticed how many things have broken down? Some say you entered politics to fix things. So let’s be honest did you repair them? Or at least manage the damage? If yes, great! Show us the report. If no... we’re still waiting.


Yes, Nurul Izzah gave a very clever answer to show she has been working silently. But Saravanan, who’s known for walking the ground and shaking hands till his palm turns red, isn’t impressed by backstage drama. He wants to see the output, not the outline. As many say the difference between MIC and PKR Indians is this: MIC will quietly do the work but not question the government; PKR will loudly question the government but... when it comes to work, erm... file not moving yet, boss.


If you want to build trust with the Indian community, maybe it’s time for Nurul to open that behind the scenes folder and show the receipts no more theatre, just real impact. Still, let’s be fair. The fact that more Indian voices and NGOs are coming forward to demand their share is a healthy development. The days of waiting quietly for scraps are over. Saravanan, if you're reading this I've got a suggestion too. Since you're well connected with the ground, here's a plan: get in touch with those working on the proposed Indian Community Development Framework. It might actually help you connect the dots. Want to go the extra mile? Click here. 😄


Now it’s about action, visibility, and results from all parties, not just one.


And while we’re on the subject of fairness and forgotten corners take a look at Sabah. It seems when Sabahans take even a sliver from their own land, it’s a scandal. But when billions are extracted and sent to Putrajaya, it’s called policy. Double standard much? You can click here for more details. Also, if you want to dig deeper, click here I've written plenty about land and rights on my page. May help you understand the pulse on the ground before it's too late.


Till then, see you in the next upcoming news or statement you come out with. Don’t get me wrong I don’t criticise you out of hate. I’m just a columnist doing what I do best: asking questions.