PKR leadership succession crisis under Anwar Ibrahim
The developments in this story so far, most recent first.
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Resolution
In Malaysia, Nurul Izzah’s PKR exit deepens questions over Anwar’s leadership
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· date approximate Background
Pakatan Harapan performed poorly in the Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, and Johor state elections held between November 2025 and August 2026.
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· date approximate Background
Azam Baki stepped down as MACC chief amid corruption allegations and a government probe.
Azam Baki stepped down from the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in May. His departure came amid reports regarding personal shareholdings that exceeded the RM100,000 limit for public servants, along with allegations that he assisted a group of businessmen in seizing company control and worked with a 'corporate mafia' to pressure businesses into deals to avoid investigations.
While Azam Baki and the MACC denied these assertions—with Azam filing a lawsuit against Bloomberg, the outlet that first published the allegations—the Malaysian government formed a special committee to probe the claims. Although Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim had repeatedly defended the former chief, citing his courage in pursuing powerful figures, Nurul Izzah had called for an expanded investigation and independent oversight of the agency.
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Nurul Izzah publicly criticized former MACC chief Azam Baki in multiple media commentaries in May 2026.
In May, Nurul Izzah issued multiple commentaries in Malaysian media criticizing Malaysia’s former anti-corruption chief, Azam Baki. During this period, she called for an expansion of the investigation into Azam Baki and emphasized the necessity for independent oversight of the anti-graft agency.
These public comments occurred as Azam Baki faced allegations regarding personal shareholdings and involvement with a corporate group. While the former chief and the MACC denied these assertions, Nurul Izzah's vocal stance was noted by some observers as having made it more difficult for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to handle the situation.
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· date approximate Background
Rafizi Ramli left PKR and assumed leadership of the Bersama party.
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· date approximate Background
Nurul Izzah Anwar was elected as PKR's deputy president in an internal party election, defeating Rafizi Ramli.
Around 14 months prior to her recent decision to step down, Nurul Izzah Anwar was elected as the deputy president of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) during the party's internal election. She secured the position after defeating the incumbent, Rafizi Ramli, following an intense campaign.
Her election and subsequent bid for the deputy presidency were marked by claims of nepotism, given that her father, Anwar Ibrahim, serves as the president of PKR. Some party members noted that the presence of both Anwars in leadership could be difficult for the public or party members to accept.