Rafizi backs PKR disciplinary board's fair campaign call, warns against selective enforcement

New Straits Times

17-05-2025

KOTA BARU: PKR deputy president candidate Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has agreed with the PKR disciplinary board's recommendation to refrain from tarnishing the party's image or launching personal attacks but emphasised that the guidelines must be applied fairly to all.
Rafizi, who is also the Economy Minister, said the board's guidelines are capable of promoting healthy competition within the party, but they must be implemented consistently.
"If people recall the personal attacks against me, they happened suddenly, with statement after statement being issued, including claims of rejection by the grassroots.
"Later, statements emerged accusing me of neglecting the grassroots. These are baseless allegations, and the PKR disciplinary board must take action against all parties responsible for creating this situation.
"In addition, I have also been targeted by irresponsible groups on social media, which should not occur.
"However, I view this as part of the challenges during the campaign period," he said at a press conference after the Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi dalam Ujian Kuasa (HIRUK) tour programme at the state National Department for Culture and Arts (JKKN) Complex in Tanjong Chat last night.
Also present were PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Negri Sembilan Menteri Besar and PKR vice-president Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.
Rafizi expressed his hope that his opponents would not "throw stones and hide their hands" by attacking him and then reporting him to the disciplinary board when he responds, as if they had done nothing wrong.
"The process is straightforward. If anyone feels that a candidate has violated party protocols, they can lodge a complaint, and the disciplinary board can then conduct a fair investigation.
"As for me, if there is a desire to debate and determine who is better, I will highlight my opponent's weaknesses, and you can do the same. I don't go around making complaints or reports," he said.
Previously, the media reported that the PKR disciplinary board had reminded all candidates and their supporters not to tarnish the party's image and to refrain from personal attacks and baseless accusations during the final stage of the party elections.
Its chairperson, Datin Paduka Dr Tan Yee Kew, said candidates should instead focus their campaigns on policy discussions and ideas.
She said actions involving personal attacks, open conflict, and making derogatory public statements against party members are inappropriate, unacceptable, and would only harm party unity.