Nurul Izzah takes leave as PKR deputy president after failed resignation bid

PETALTING JAYA, 6 AUGUST 2026 —

Nurul Izzah to Take Leave as PKR Deputy President After Party Congress

PKR information chief Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil said Nurul Izzah had initially sought to resign from her position but was persuaded to take a leave of absence instead. The decision was made during a meeting of PKR’s central leadership council on Aug 6.

“The council discussed Nurul Izzah’s request to step down as deputy president and, after considering her views on party leadership, agreed to grant her a temporary leave of absence commencing after the 2026 National Congress indefinitely,” Fahmi said in a statement.

During the meeting, the council also acknowledged the outcomes of the Johor and Negeri Sembilan state elections, expressing gratitude to the teams involved in the campaigns.

Fahmi further noted that the council had recognized the contributions of former Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, who served two terms in the role.

In related party leadership adjustments, PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail will temporarily assume Nurul Izzah’s duties as deputy president. Additionally, PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari has been appointed as the party’s new election director.

Nurul Izzah is scheduled to officiate the PKR Women’s Wing and Youth Wing congresses on Aug 14. The council also approved the admission of 3,533 new members who registered online between July 12 and August 2026.

The developments come amid ongoing discussions within PKR regarding party leadership and organizational restructuring ahead of the 2026 national congress.

Malaysia Market Impact The announcement of Nurul Izzah’s temporary leave and leadership adjustments within PKR may have limited direct impact on Malaysia’s broader financial markets, given the party’s role as a key component of the Pakatan Harapan coalition. However, political stability and leadership continuity remain closely monitored by investors, particularly in sectors sensitive to policy shifts.

Analysts suggest that any prolonged uncertainty in PKR’s leadership could influence market sentiment, particularly in equities tied to government-linked policies or reform initiatives. However, the immediate market reaction is expected to be subdued, as the changes do not directly affect government operations or economic policies.

Sector and Party Specifics PKR, a major opposition party in Malaysia’s political landscape, has been undergoing internal restructuring following recent state election outcomes. The party’s central leadership council’s decision to grant Nurul Izzah a leave of absence reflects internal deliberations on leadership dynamics and party direction.

The appointment of Saifuddin Nasution Ismail as acting deputy president and Amirudin Shari as election director underscores PKR’s efforts to streamline its organizational structure ahead of the 2026 national congress. The approval of 3,533 new members also signals an expansion of the party’s grassroots base.

Outlook The temporary leave granted to Nurul Izzah suggests a period of internal reflection within PKR, with no immediate plans for a permanent leadership change. The party’s focus on the 2026 national congress and organizational adjustments indicates a strategic approach to strengthening its position ahead of future elections.

Investors and political observers will likely monitor PKR’s internal developments for any broader implications on Malaysia’s political stability and policy direction. However, given the party’s current role in the opposition, the immediate economic impact is expected to remain minimal unless leadership changes lead to shifts in coalition dynamics.

Details regarding Nurul Izzah’s future role within PKR or potential long-term leadership adjustments remain unspecified at this time.

Related: PKR · Nurul Izzah Anwar · Petalting Jaya