It would be most interesting to see a CONTEST for the PKR Presidency?
In the last elections, Anwar became President uncontested, and there was a perceived 'proxy fight' for the Number 2 position, where Rafizi against Saifuddin Nasution(who many saw as a Anwar's man or preference), and Rafizi won.
Rafizi Ramli is inching his way to the deputy presidency after securing a significant lead in votes against Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in the PKR elections today....The former Pandan MP secured a total of 153 divisions from 13 states with over 67,000 votes while Saifuddin secured 39 divisions with over 40,000 votes. FMT, 29/5/2022
Many wondered then if Rafizi had challenged Anwar Ibrahim for Presidency, would he have beaten Anwar?
So, will Rafizi offer himself to PKR members as an alternative candidate to become President in this PKR elections?
After the PKR Branch/Division elections - a lot of persons who allegedly was seen as people on Rafizi's team suffer defeat? The victors would have had the right to pick the delegates who will now be entitled to vote for the PKR top posts..Was the outcome because members rejected these incumbents, or was there some 'hank panky' in the electoral process? Either way, nothing can really be done because PKR is a political party - and the final decision maker is the Party itself. See PKR Election Issues - Repeal Sec.18C Societies Act, Restore party members freedom of association, to end victimization of members by Party(incumbent leadership), to restore Free and Fair elections, ..
LAST HURRAH for Rafizi, and the people who were with him this PKR elections? If so, should Rafizi not go out with a BANG by going for the Presidency of PKR, rather than the No.2 position again..
SHERATON 2.0? - Remember that Sheraton Move happened also because PKR's MPs left the party (Azmin and 10 or 11 of them?).
So, the question is whether if Rafizi loses, will there be another Sheraton Move happening soon?
Will Rafizi and some MPs in PKR chose not to leave PKR but just withdraw their support for Anwar to continue to be Prime Minister??
If they leave PKR on their own, then they will be disqualified as MPs, so, they will most likely remain members of PKR and just withdraw support for Anwar to remain as Prime Minister -
Remember the six Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) MPs who supported the prime minister do not have to vacate their seats ...
If PKR sacks Rafizi and other MPs, they continue to remain MPs...and will not be disqualified.
What is the position now with DAP and Parti Amanah - do they still support Anwar Ibrahim as Prime Minister? Lot have happened since Anwar became PM - so even MPs from component parties in Pakatan Harapan may have changed their mind about Anwar Ibrahim...
What could happen is that this 'MADANI" coalition may continue to govern, but someone else will be elevated to be the new Prime Minister. It happened during the PN-BN rule - where the PM changed from Muhyiddin to Ismail Sabri...and there was no problem?
Publicly, the other PH party leaders are not even seen appearing much with Anwar Ibrahim - and when did we last hear of a PH meeting or decision on any important subject matter?
That did happen during the past BN rule. Anwar today is often seen together with the UMNO/BN head Zahid Hamidi - but not the DAP or Amanah leaders?? Is this a SIGN?
Many could accept the forming of a coalition government with BN - as the other option would mean PH will not be in government. But the decision to contest post GE-15 elections at State or in by-elections raises concerns > is the BN-PH coalition going to the new Madani Coalition that will contest upcoming State elections and GE16?
And, the recent trend of contesting as an electoral pact with BN (the party, Malaysians rejected in GE14, and denied them even more seats in GE15) can be worrying... The people chose PH or PN because the wanted an alternative government - but PM Anwar's style and policies seems to be no different from the previous BN regime the people rejected. So, will this relationship with BN erode further people's support for PH and its component parties DAP and Amanah? PKR alone is weak - and for that we have look at the Johor State elections decided to stand alone using its party flag - they did badly, compared to even the PH parties that stood as Pakatan Harapan. GE16 is fast approaching - and has the people forgiven BN yet - if not, any party who stands with BN may suffer the people's wrath.
One interesting thing about PKR - many leaders seem to leave or sidelined after a while ... will Rafizi be the next?
Why is Anwar advising Rafizi to contest the No.2 spot - is it to prevent Rafizi contesting against him for the Presidency of PKR? Will Nasution or Nurul Izzah challenge Rafizi - then again, it may be a 'proxy fight'?
If every member of PKR had the opportunity to vote for President, then Rafizi may have beaten Anwar - but things changed, and now the member have no more right to vote for the top position. The new 'delegate' system, where some of the delegates are chosen by winners of the earlier Branch/Division elections may change matters?
Will Rafizi be brave enough to challenge Anwar for Presidency? Will he contest for the No.2 position? Will he contest at all? We will know that today and tomorrow after the nominations
##
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.- Malaysiakini, 7/5/2025
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment