After reported loss, 'reformasi' greets Rafizi's solo walk into PKR congress

Summary

• Rafizi Ramli received a warm welcome at the PKR national congress, entering alone to chants of “reformasi”, amid unofficial reports he had lost his bid to retain the deputy presidency.

• His supporters greeted him with smiles, handshakes, and shoulder pats, even as news of his likely defeat circulated.

• Unofficial results suggest Rafizi’s allies won some key positions, though he lost to Nurul Izzah Anwar in their direct contest for deputy president.

Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli received a rousing welcome of “reformasi” chants as he entered the PKR national congress at the Persada International Convention Centre.

He walked in alone, just as news was spreading that he had likely failed to defend his deputy president post.

The Pandan PKR division chief made his solo entrance while other senior leaders accompanied party president Anwar Ibrahim.

Unfazed, Rafizi was cheered on by his supporters as he made his way to the main stage, where Anwar was already seated alongside the central leadership and party wings.

High spirits

His supporters appeared in high spirits upon seeing him, greeting him warmly with handshakes and pats on the shoulder, while Rafizi was seen smiling.

According to unofficial sources, the now former PKR deputy president lost his bid to defend his post in the party election today.

The outcome was reported by one of his officers, party sources, and a counting agent who declined to be named.

“Alhamdulillah. We lost. That is the story,” said Rafizi’s aide Syukri Razab in a Facebook post.

PKR leaders aligned with Rafizi’s challenger Nurul Izzah Anwar, also told Malaysiakini the same.

According to an unofficial “winners list” sighted by Malaysiakini, Rafizi’s allies - Chang Lih Kang and Aminuddin Harun - secured two out of the four vice-presidents’ positions.

At the central leadership council level, the unofficial winners’ list named three contenders from Rafizi’s team.

Rafizi and Nurul Izzah are in a straight fight for the deputy presidency, while 12 contenders jostle for four vice-presidency posts.

Polling closed at 5pm today.

Official results are expected by 2.30pm tomorrow, but could be announced as early as tonight.

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