PKR AGM | While having differences in opinions is one of PKR's strengths, Rafizi Ramli said today, the one issue all party leaders cannot differ on is Anwar Ibrahim's claim to become the next prime minister.

"We respect differences in opinions, but we cannot differ on our views on who is the eighth prime minister," the outgoing vice-president said in his speech at the 13th PKR national congress in Shah Alam.

Rafizi expressed his disappointment against those who spoke out against Anwar, which he claimed includes several leaders from the party itself.

"I observe there are discussions on WhatsApp, there are postings on Facebook, sometimes by top leaders in the party who belittle efforts to uplift Anwar as the eighth prime minister.

"Some say that Anwar's time has so-called ended, and some say it is time for a new (leader).

"Having differences of opinion is fine, but having differences of opinion to the point of opening up space to outsiders to attack the party, and (question) Anwar as the candidate for the eighth prime minister, I ask that you stop that now," he said to applause from the crowd.

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has pledged to hand over power to Anwar, but no timeline has been established for the transition.

Challenges ahead

Rafizi stressed that all members of PKR need to help Anwar rise to the challenges he will inherit after being handed the reins. 

Among these, he said, are the weak national economy, the wealth gap, and low Malay support for Pakatan Harapan.

He pointed out that economic growth is not expected to surpass 4.5 percent this year.

"Back when Najib (Abdul Razak) was the prime minister, if the economic growth was below five percent, I would have 'washed' him out in Parliament until he was pale.

"Now we are the government at a time when the economic situation is not so good. We need to accept this reality, and this reality is what Anwar will have to face when he becomes the eighth prime minister."

Rafizi also cautioned against the low Malay support which Harapan garnered in the recent general election.

He said that despite PKR receiving the most Malay support among Harapan parties, it was still only 31 percent of the national Malay vote.

"That is why, my message to those who won, who received positions, who became ministers, do not go to meetings as a minister and not say anything.

"You have to fight for the rakyat, because if you do not speak up and do not bring up issues close to their hearts, it will burden Anwar and the whole party who have to fight in the 15th general election."

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