“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,” the eldest daughter of PKR leader Anwar Ibrahim said today, adding that she would remain an “ordinary” member of the party.

“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,” said Nurul Izzah, who is also the Permatang Pauh MP.

“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),” she said.

“But I will continue my advocacy work as an ordinary citizen and MP for Permatang Pauh.”

Saying she should have made the announcement sooner, Nurul Izzah said the pace of political developments over the last nine months had been “relentless”.

“To what end will come of the successful completion of the promised reform agenda by PH 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 programs of the previous government if proven to be beneficial for the rakyat.”

Earlier, former PKR Supreme Council member Latheefa Koya hit out at the choice of the party’s state chiefs, saying it smacked of cronyism.

“Why the heavy imbalance favouring one faction?” she asked.

“Appointments favouring one particular faction is tantamount to cronyism, which is anathema to any reform party.”

Latheefa also criticised the appointment of Nurul Izzah as the Penang state chief.

“It is needless to say that the practice of appointing close relatives to important positions should have no place in a reformist party,” added the PKR lawyer.

Since its noisy election process between Sept 14 and Nov 10, PKR is seen as divided.