Minister says Rafizi on 'leave' amid resignation rumours

Summary

• Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli is on leave, says a minister to Malaysiakini on condition of anonymity.

• The minister adds that rumours of Rafizi’s resignation are false.

• Unrest in PKR grows as Rafizi’s camp suffers major losses in the party’s recent divisional polls.

Economy Minister Rafizi Ramli is on leave, according to a cabinet minister who addressed swirling rumours about the PKR deputy president’s resignation from his government post.

“Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim informed today’s cabinet meeting that Rafizi is on leave for a few days. There has been no resignation, and these rumours are entirely false,” the minister, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Malaysiakini.

Discontent has been rising within PKR, following divisional election results that saw several of Rafizi’s key allies lose, indicating the difficult road ahead for him as he prepares to defend his number two position in next month’s central leadership election.

Rafizi has been contacted for his comments.

Meanwhile, Anwar, who is also PKR president, confirmed that independent auditors have been appointed to address complaints of irregularities in the party polls.

“Complaints were made, we took note of them, and now, there are international auditors checking (the matter) in case there is validity (to the complaints),” he said.

PKR elections committee chairperson Dr Zaliha Mustafa said re-election would be held on May 1 for four divisions - Jempol, Selayang, Silam, and Semporna.

The divisional polls witnessed several big heads roll, including PKR vice-presidents Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and K Saraswathy, PKR Youth chief Adam Adli Abd Halim, and several MPs.

E-voting system

Last Friday, Malaysiakini reported that the operator of the e-voting system in the PKR election has denied allegations of irregularities during its divisional-level polls.

“In the PKR central leadership council meeting on Wednesday (April 23), the vendor explained how the e-voting system works. The auditing company also provided an explanation.

“In general, they deny there was any element of malpractice or manipulation on their part,” a source told Malaysiakini.

The results carry more than just symbolic significance. Due to changes in the party’s electoral system, the outcomes of these divisional contests will directly influence the vote for national-level leadership.

PKR frequently revises its internal election rules. This time, it has reinstated the delegate system, under which approximately 30,000 delegates from 222 divisions nationwide will vote to elect 20 members of the central leadership council, as well as six top positions: president, deputy president, and four vice-presidents.

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