Experts suggest Nurul Izzah for national role, not Sungai Bakap seat

SHAH ALAM - Former PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar is renowned for her extensive experience and influence in national politics, which earned her the title of 'Puteri Reformasi'

However, the former Permatang Pauh MP is viewed as less suitable to be fielded as the Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate in the Sungai Bakap by-election in Penang for several reasons.

Several political analysts believe that Nurul Izzah, the eldest daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, is too prominent to be fielded as a candidate in this by-election.

They suggested she would be better suited as a Senator in the Dewan Negara or as a PH candidate in a future parliamentary seat.

There is also no guarantee that PH's decision to field Nurul Izzah would ensure a win for PKR in the Sungai Bakap seat, which was once their stronghold before last year's State Election.

Political analyst Dr G Manimaran predicted that PH will not take the risk of fielding Nurul Izzah in the upcoming by-election.

He believes it would be more strategic for PKR to field a local candidate, such as Nurhidayah Che Rose, who narrowly lost to the Perikatan Nasional (PN) candidate, the late Nor Zamri Latiff, in the last state election.

"I believe it would be better if PH fields a local candidate who is experienced and has contributed significantly to the residents, like Nurhidayah, compared to Nurul Izzah, who is more suited to being a Member of Parliament and contributing at the national level," Manimaran told Sinar.

Universiti Sains Malaysia Political Sociology lecturer Professor Datuk Dr Sivamurugan Pandian echoed a similar sentiment, stating that despite Nurul Izzah's undeniable credibility and reputation, she is less suitable to contest at the state legislative level.

He emphasises that the Sungai Bakap seat is more suitable for a local candidate who is well-known and understands the local issues.

"The nomination of Nurul Izzah could also backfire because the Opposition will likely claim that she was chosen due to nepotism within PH.

"Despite her qualifications, being the Prime Minister's daughter and the daughter of the PKR President and PH Chairman, her candidacy could be controversial," he said.

Sivamurugan added that the outcome of the Sungai Bakap by-election will depend on factors such as the performance of the previous Pas representative, state government issues, and national concerns, including the removal of diesel subsidies and the case of the Perlis Menteri Besar's son.

He also argued that all parties cannot solely rely on votes from specific ethnic groups, as anything can happen.

"Even though, on paper, Chinese and Indian voters appear to favour PH, it is not a guarantee that they will be able to reclaim the Sungai Bakap.

"The victory of the PH or PN coalition depends on various factors, including voter turnout, Malay votes, outstation voters, demographics, and geography, particularly traditional villages and factory workers," he said.

The Sungai Bakap constituency comprises 59.4 per cent Malay voters, 22.5 per cent Chinese, 17.8 per cent Indian, and 0.7 per cent other ethnicities.