'I'm only human': Rafizi stands with frustrated PKR supporters

Summary 

• Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli acknowledges the frustration of party supporters, saying he too feels the sting of defeat, but also a sense of relief stepping away from “shenanigans of the corridors of power”.

• Reflecting on his 27-year journey with PKR, Rafizi recalls leaving his corporate career and enduring 16 court cases, thanking supporters who remained loyal to his reformist ideals.

• While skipping the party congress, Rafizi reaffirms his commitment to fighting for a better Malaysia, saying he now looks forward to reconnecting with ordinary citizens.

Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli has penned a heartfelt message to his supporters following his defeat to Nurul Izzah Anwar for the party’s number two position last night.

In a social media post today, Rafizi admitted that the loss has affected him in some ways, commiserating with other party members who had stood alongside him throughout his campaign to defend his PKR deputy presidency.

“I can understand the frustration and disillusionment of ordinary PKR members and supporters out there. It will take time to shake off the sense that many years of dedication to PKR ideals have gone to waste.

“I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t feel the same, even if only momentarily,” Rafizi said. 

However, he said that he “doesn’t feel that bad”, adding that he instead feels a “great deal of relief” over how he can return to living a private life “away from the shenanigans of the corridors of power”.

27 years in PKR

The economy minister, who had previously vowed to quit his ministerial post if he was defeated in the party polls, also reflected on how he had dedicated his life to the party for close to three decades and the various challenges he faced throughout the time.

“I’ve spent a good part of my adult life - nearly 27 years, to be precise - serving the party: from running the International Free Anwar Campaign, to a leadership role in PKR Youth in its early years, to writing a book explaining (prime minister and PKR president) Anwar Ibrahim’s court case to the layperson.

“I left a promising corporate career at a relatively young age, at Anwar’s request, to become his chief of staff at the Selangor Economic Advisory Office.

“To date, I have had to endure 16 court cases - seven criminal and nine civil defamation suits - for exposing numerous financial scandals. I have probably spent more time in court than the average lawyer,” Rafizi quipped.

He also expressed his gratitude to PKR members and supporters who have staunchly stood by his ideals for the party, even when “all odds” were stacked against him. 

“Thank you for the hundreds of messages expressing support. Thank you to those who offered their prayers.

“I was deeply moved when a few young party members shed tears, pleading with me not to walk away from PKR despite the sting of betrayal. There is hope after all,” he said.

‘M’sia still deserves better’

He added that he has no intention of giving up on the “idealistic belief” that Malaysia deserves better, noting that such a belief was the basis of his venture into activism and politics. 

“For every problem, there are multiple solutions. For every obstacle, there are many ways to overcome it.

“With more time on my hands, I am grateful that I can now spend more time with everyday Malaysians,” Rafizi said.

An aide to Rafizi confirmed with Malaysiakini that the latter will not be attending the party’s national congress in Johor Bahru today.

Last night, PKR election committee chief Dr Zaliha Mustafa confirmed Nurul Izzah’s victory against Rafizi, who had earlier made a “solo walk” into the national congress hall at the Persada International Convention Centre.

Nurul Izzah garnered 9,803 votes to secure the PKR deputy presidency against incumbent Rafizi’s 3,866 votes.

A total of 32,030 delegates are eligible to vote in the PKR central leadership election for the 2025-2028 term.

Two leaders backed by Rafizi - Chang Lih Kang and Aminuddin Harun - secured two of the four contested vice-president positions.

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

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