Rafizi presser not about withdrawing support for PM - PKR leader

Former PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli's announcement that he would be holding a press conference with other party lawmakers tomorrow has sent the rumour mill into overdrive.

Following the announcement, a viral message alleged that Rafizi (above) - who has become a vocal government critic since quitting as economy minister - and 10 other PKR MPs will be withdrawing support from Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim at the presser.

However, those wondering whether the government will collapse tomorrow will be disappointed.

"(The list) is fake... it's pure speculation," Tuaran PKR chief Razeef Rakimin, who is aligned with Rafizi, told Malaysiakini.

Malaysiakini understands that the press conference - set to be held at Subang MP Wong Chen's office - is about important national issues.

Razeef said those on the list are just lawmakers who were with Rafizi during the party election in May.

Besides Wong, one of those named in the message was PKR vice-president Chang Lih Kang.

However, Chang - who is the science, technology, and innovation minister - is scheduled to attend the launch of a science education programme in Kuala Lumpur at the same time as Rafizi's press conference.

Voicing criticism

Rafizi was ousted as PKR deputy president in May, leading to his resignation as economy minister.

Late last month, he expressed pessimism over the government's plan to review and revamp the 13th Malaysia Plan - which he had worked on extensively - on short notice.

He had also voiced concern about a potential crisis in the judiciary following Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat's retirement as chief justice.

Observers said this is a return to form for Rafizi, who made a name for himself holding press conferences to expose scandals and holding those in power to account.

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