PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar announced she will take leave from her party responsibilities following the conclusion of the 2026 PKR National Congress, with no fixed timeline for her return [1, 2, 3]. She will complete her duties at the three-day congress, including officiating the AMK and Wanita congresses and delivering closing remarks before starting her leave [1, 2, 3].
Nurul Izzah stated her intention to continue fighting politically through civil society organizations rather than direct party leadership. "I have chosen to continue the struggle, not directly through the party, but through the path of civil society," she said in her opening speech at the PKR Wanita National Congress on August 15 [4, 5, 6]. She emphasized staying true to herself despite criticism and setbacks, saying, "You cannot please everyone, but you can only remain true to yourself" [5].
The PKR secretary-general, Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh, said the party will welcome Nurul Izzah back when she is ready to resume her duties [1, 2, 3].
Nurul Izzah warned against internal divisions within the party, criticizing the presence of "a party within a party." She said, "We cannot be strong as an organisation if there is a party within a party. Two captains cannot steer one ship, nor can there be hidden hands or power structures" [7, 8, 9]. She also stressed that leadership means carrying trust and responsibility rather than simply holding power, urging members to prepare for potential elections at any time [10, 8, 9].
At the congress opening on August 15, PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim officiated the event themed "Memugar Reformasi, Membina Madani" at the Melaka International Trade Centre [11]. Sabah leaders, including Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and other Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) leaders, also attended, highlighting strong ties between Sabah and the federal government [11]. Sabah PKR chairman Datuk Mustapha Sakmud noted the unity government's duty to ensure inclusive national development accounting for every region's needs [11].
PKR Wanita chief Fadhlina Sidek urged party members to stay election-ready, promote women’s leadership, and accept constructive criticism in her closing speech on August 16. "We must strengthen PKR so that whoever is with us, we remain strong. Whoever leaves us, we remain strong," she said [10].
Nurul Izzah’s leave follows the congress concluding today, after which she will pursue further studies. Her political involvement will continue through civil society channels, while the party prepares for upcoming elections.
