'I'll be there' - Rafizi confirms presence at national congress

Summary

• Rafizi confirms his attendance at PKR’s national congress.

• Incumbent PKR deputy president stresses importance of adhering to decorum and proper processes in any organisation.

Incumbent PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has confirmed his attendance at the opening of the party’s national congress tonight, amid a heated exchange of words with his challenger, Nurul Izzah Anwar.

With less than an hour until polling ends, Rafizi arrived at the Berjaya Waterfront Hotel to cast his votes, sparking a brief commotion as he was swarmed by media personnel eager to get his reaction.

“I will be there tonight, and I will also attend tomorrow. Why would I not attend?” he told reporters today.

PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, who is set to deliver his policy speech, earlier today said he assumed that Rafizi would be present at the Persada International Convention Centre tonight.

Decorum needed

On his absence from officiating the PKR Youth and Women’s Congress last night, Rafizi reiterated that any organisation depends on decorum, processes, and procedures.

“So it’s not fair to expect me to just accept it when all the rules are violated to push me aside.

“You’ve made it clear you have no respect for decorum, hierarchy, or party processes - and you went ahead and launched the Sabah machinery in a rush,” he said in reference to the state election machinery launch by Nurul Izzah, which was also attended by Selangor Menteri Besar and PKR vice-president Amirudin Shari.

Rafizi said one cannot apply different rules to different situations.

“Every action has consequences. That’s how I feel, and I believe many grassroots members share the same sentiment,” said the PKR election director.

Low blow

Last night, PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh replaced Rafizi to deliver an opening speech, in which she reminded members against sabotaging the party, likening it to a vessel that can sink.

In a jab at Nurul Izzah and Amirudin, Rafizi said he was dealt a “low blow” with the clash of timing between the state machinery launch and his Hiruk campaign programme.

“It’s unfair to Sabah PKR. Just to make sure there is a clash of events, with hopes that PKR members don’t come to my event.

“That’s a low blow…. below the belt. It’s not what PKR is made of,” he said.

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