In a shocking development, Nurul Izzah Anwar announced her resignation as PKR vice-president and said she would no longer serve the federal government in any capacity.

Nurul, who is the daughter of PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and Deputy Prime Minister Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, was heading the special Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) task force.

In a statement this afternoon, the Permatang Pauh MP said she would also relinquish her position as Penang PKR chairperson.

“May 9 has been a watershed for many reasons. A peaceful transition at federal power took place, and Malaysians saw the enlargement of their democratic space for reforms to be initiated.

“To what end will come the successful completion of the promised reform agenda by Pakatan Harapan remains to be seen - as such, it remains crucial that all stakeholders continue pressing for the fulfilment of the reforms, as well as the continuation of policies and programmes of the previous government if proven to be beneficial for the rakyat.

“There are beliefs and ideals I hold dear and I feel that I can be most true to them by taking this course of action I am now announcing,” she added.

Nurul won the PKR vice-president post with the highest number of votes.

Below is her full statement:

The 9th of May has been a watershed for many reasons. A peaceful transition at federal power took place and Malaysians saw the enlargement of their democratic space for reforms to be initiated.

To what end will come the successful completion of the promised reform agenda by Pakatan Harapan remains to be seen - as such, it remains crucial that all stakeholders continue pressing for the fulfilment of the reforms, as well as the continuation of policies and programmes of the previous government if proven to be beneficial for the rakyat.

My journey in politics began in 1998 - more as a political awakening, and eventually as part of the central leadership of the People’s Justice Party. I thank the members of Keadilan for according me the opportunity to serve them all this while.

There are beliefs and ideals I hold dear and I feel that I can be most true to them by taking this course of action I am now announcing.

I am resigning as vice-president of the People’s Justice Party, and relinquishing my appointment as the chair of Keadilan Penang. The leadership has been informed of my decision.

My work as an elected representative for the people of Permatang Pauh and as a legislator will continue until my term expires. I will also remain as an ordinary member of Keadilan.

I will also no longer serve the federal government in any capacity. I leave the decision as to my role in the Penang state-level government-linked companies to the party leadership.

I remain a member of the parliamentary backbench committed to reforms. I also leave to the leadership the decision as to my status as a member of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC). I had earlier relinquished my post as chair of the Bills Committee in favour of the PAC.

But I will continue my advocacy work as an ordinary citizen and Member of Parliament for Permatang Pauh.

My only regret is that I should have made this announcement sooner, but it has not been an easy decision to arrive at. The pace of political developments has been relentless for the last nine months, with party elections following a gruelling general election campaign.

Now that I have had the chance to take stock of where I stand in relation to politics, I am resolved to doing the right thing.

I wish the leadership and the party the very best.

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