Kepala Batas PKR division chief Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman said all the state’s party division heads pledged their full support for Nurul Izzah to continue leading Penang PKR.

“We hope Nurul accepts this trust given to her and we promise to work together with her to uplift PKR’s standing, particularly in Penang.

“We also hope Nurul will retain her fighting spirit in her struggle for justice for all,” Zakiyuddin, who is also Penang deputy chief minister I, said at a news conference here.

Nurul Izzah, in her statement yesterday, announced she was quitting her posts as PKR vice-president and Penang PKR chairman.

Nurul Izzah, known as “Puteri Reformasi” since the early days of the “Reformasi” movement, said she would remain as an ordinary PKR member and Permatang Pauh MP until her term ends.

Asked on claims that her quit decision was to reject elements of nepotism in the party, Tasek Gelugor PKR division chief Mustafa Ahmad, who was also at the news conference, said Nurul Izzah’s appointment as state PKR chairman was decided unanimously during discussions among division heads in Ipoh recently.

“We see Nurul as among top echelon leaders qualified to lead PKR and should be given a chance. So, there is no question of nepotism here.”

Permatang Pauh PKR Wanita chief Norlela Ariffin said Nurul Izzah’s appointment to the party’s top leadership was based on her excellent track record.

“She has proven her capability as a leader. She is a three-term MP and had defeated the Lembah Pantai Umno Wanita head.

“She also obtained the highest number of votes for the post of party vice-president. We definitely need a courageous woman leader like her,” Norlela said.