PRIME Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter Nurul Izzah has downplayed rumours that she would be contesting in the state elections.  

“For now, I am committed to my current responsibility as co-head of the secretariat of the advisory committee headed by Tan Sri Hassan Marican,” the PKR vice-president said.  

Nurul was commenting on a news report asserting that she would be contesting for a seat in Penang and that she would be given an important portfolio in the state government if she won. 

Nurul, however, did not entirely turn down the chance of being fielded as a candidate in the soon-to-be-held state elections, asserting that she is obliged to follow her party’s choices.  

“I am however bound by my party’s decision,” she added.  

Nurul, a three-time lawmaker, also reminded the coalition to be mindful of challenges in the polls.  

“We must work hard to secure and strengthen PH (Pakatan Harapan) and Kerajaan Perpaduan (unity government) everywhere.  

“Political stability is an important denominator in ensuring sustained economic growth and shared prosperity.” 

Nurul served as Lembah Pantai MP from 2008 to 2018, and Permatang Pauh MP from 2018 to 2022. 

In the last general election, she lost to Perikatan Nasional’s Muhammad Fawwaz Mohamad Jan.  

In January, her appointment as senior adviser to her father in the Finance Ministry raised eyebrows.  

Following the backlash, Nurul stepped down but was reassigned to the Finance Ministry’s special advisory body’s secretariat. – May 31, 2023.