KUALA LUMPUR – Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin has announced his intention to contest the PKR vice-presidential post in the upcoming party elections, citing over two decades of dedication to the party’s reformist ideals.
“I have been involved in the Reformasi movement since 1998, while studying at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. In 2007, I was appointed political secretary to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. I was first elected as the Pantai Jerejak state assemblyman in the 2008 general election, and made the move to Parliament in 2013, where I continue to serve to this day,” Sim said in a statement.
He described himself and peers such as former Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari as the “Reformasi Generation”, shaped politically by the movement and ideologically anchored by its principles.
“KEADILAN (PKR) is our political platform, and Reformasi is the ideal we uphold.”
After 26 years of service to the party, Sim believes it is time to take on a larger role within PKR’s leadership.
“I have discussed this with several senior party leaders, and they support my intention to contest,” he said.
Sim is offering what he described as three key aspirations should he be given the mandate.
“Firstly, I will give my utmost to help us win at least 60 critical seats to strengthen KEADILAN’s position as a progressive, multiracial political party at the core of national politics.
“Secondly, I am committed to supporting the Prime Minister’s mission to eradicate poverty and elevate Malaysia to high-income status by 2030.
“Thirdly, I understand the grassroots’ aspirations for unity, recognition, and support. I will propose the establishment of a full-time Membership Bureau dedicated to membership issues, card management, and welfare. At the same time, I will work to foster stronger unity within the party.”
Recalling his political journey, Sim highlighted his track record in both administration and party strategy.
“In Bayan Baru, we successfully won four consecutive elections, sweeping the parliamentary and all three state seats with increasing majorities. It is the most impressive record in the party.”
During his tenure as Agriculture Deputy Minister, Sim expanded PERKESO coverage to over 200,000 poor fishermen, enabling them to venture out to sea with greater protection and confidence.
As the party’s longest-serving Director of Strategy from 2013 to 2022, Sim said he played a pivotal role in the historic 2018 federal government change.
In 2015, he faced charges over the “Kita Lawan” protests, risking everything in the process.
“If convicted, I stood to lose it all — but I chose to stand firm.”
He also affirmed his loyalty during the political crisis sparked by the Sheraton Move in 2020.
“I remained loyal to the party and rejected any form of betrayal.”
Sim’s candidacy comes as four incumbents— Amirudin, Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun, Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, and Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Chang Lih Kang—have announced their intention to defend their positions.
Other contenders for the vice-presidency include Nurul Izzah, Sungai Buloh PKR chief Datuk R Ramanan, and PKR deputy secretary-general Dr Sathia Prakash Nadarajan.
PKR currently has seven vice-presidents, with four elected and three appointed.
Voting for the central leadership council and the heads of the women’s and youth wings will take place on May 24. – April 26, 2025