GE15: Was Nurul Izzah’s defeat really a shocker?

SHAH ALAM - Defeated on her 42nd birthday, political watchdogs are now saying that PKR Vice President Nurul Izzah Anwar’s loss in her family’s stronghold reflected her commitment towards the constituency.

Voices on the ground expressed their discontent with her performance in the Permatang Pauh parliamentary seat not only throughout campaign period but also her time as Member of Parliament.

Two notable points that had been repeated were the fact that she supposedly took an “off day” during the 14-day campaign period and had been “barely campaigning” there to begin with.

One person even said that she allegedly did not perform her duties as the Permatang Pauh MP and only “gave a show” on social media.

While this may not be entirely accurate, it is what is being on the ground.

However, Sinar Daily got a total opposite take from one of her constituents when asked about her performance there.

Only wanted to be known as Zura, 31, she said Nurul Izzah was just too good for Permatang Pauh.

“Her vision and mission is not suitable for Permatang Pauh but would work perfectly in an urban seat.

“Those complaining, they are actually complaining about clogged drains and road works which should be the responsibility of the local council and assemblyman. “I guess some voters cannot differentiate the duties of the set assemblyman and the MP,” she said.

Zura said Nurul Izzah exposed the locals in Permatang Pauh about global issues such as climate change and relevant social issues such as child marriage and sex education.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Professor Dr Sivamurugan Pandian said Nurul Izzah’s fall was most likely due to the two Pas strongholds in her constituency; Permatang Pasir and Penanti, which ended her electoral career.

“She is seen as a cunning young leader but with the new phenomena of voting patterns, she may have done something to influence their decision to vote against her.

“She has been a very vocal person and protecting the people’s right, maybe she is seen as a national leader but not for Permatang Pauh,” he said, adding that the new voters could have affected her candidacy.

Sivamurugan said this was an end of Anwar’s legacy that he has built since 1982, which not only consist of his loyal supporters but also family and friends.

Ironically, PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli had in the party polls this year claimed that he had data suggesting that Nurul Izzah’s popularity eclipsed that of her father. Her defeat, however, speaks volumes of Rafizi’s intel.

Nurul Izzah was defeated by Perikatan Nasional candidate Fawwaz Mat Jan (PN-PAS) with a majority of 5,272 votes.