Advised by Anwar and Saifuddin, Rafizi to defend deputy presidency

Summary

• Rafizi Ramli is open to other contenders challenging him for his deputy president post in the upcoming PKR polls, including Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and Nurul Izzah Anwar.

• The economy minister reveals he decided to defend his party position following advice from Anwar Ibrahim and Saifuddin.

Rafizi Ramli has confirmed his bid to defend his PKR's deputy presidency, welcoming competition in what he describes as a personal "win-win" strategic decision.

In a lengthy statement addressing issues surrounding the recent PKR grassroots election and explaining his sudden leave, Rafizi said PKR president Anwar Ibrahim and his past contender, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, had advised him to contest for the post.

Rafizi also expressed openness to Saifuddin and Nurul Izzah Anwar potentially challenging him for the party’s number two spot.

"From the beginning, I have stated that it is one's right to contest, and it should be celebrated in the spirit of democracy.

"Therefore, I welcome competition for the PKR deputy president post in this election and will join other candidates in using this election platform to strengthen the party.

“It is a win-win decision for me," he said.

The economy minister stated that he was prepared to relinquish his PKR position and cabinet role to help the party’s grassroots prepare for the 16th general election.

This was conveyed during separate meetings with Anwar and Saifuddin, while he was on leave from April 29 to May 5, Rafizi shared.

Balancing obligations

Rafizi expressed concern over the current political climate, noting that the Madani government’s campaign has been viewed as overly defensive, in contrast to PKR’s more assertive stance when in opposition.

"My position as a minister binds me to the consensus of the government's administration, making it more difficult for me to speak freely, as I could before. This has contributed, to some extent, to PKR’s campaign being perceived as lacking aggression.

"I have also conveyed the same sentiment to Saifuddin and expressed my willingness to step aside, so that I may return to campaigning freely and assertively in the lead-up to GE16, without being bound by cabinet and government rules.

"Both of them shared the view that there is still a need for me to contest the deputy president post and remain a part of the cabinet. I stated that I will take all views into consideration before making a final decision," Rafizi added.

Can go either way

If re-elected, he said he would continue contributing to party leadership as deputy president and serve in the government through formal channels.

"If I am not chosen, I can return as a grassroots leader who is nimble in campaigning at the ground level," he added.

There have been growing calls from within PKR for Nurul Izzah, who is party vice-president, to run for the deputy president post.

On Monday, Saifuddin, who is also Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, said he will be making “an official announcement within a reasonable time” on his future in PKR, following several meetings with Anwar and Rafizi.

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