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Free Malaysia Today
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
We didn't want party polls this year, says Rafizi
PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli, speaking in Terengganu last night, said a call to bring in 'new talent' had led to the reversal of a plan to hold elections after GE16. (Bernama pic) PETALING JAYA : PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli claims that its political bureau had initially agreed not to hold party elections this year. He said the decision was based on past experience, where party elections triggered fierce contests for top posts, throwing the party into disarray. The plan was to hold party elections after the next general election (GE16), with a second term secured for party president Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister. However, the decision was reversed on the grounds that party elections were needed to bring in 'new talent' such as Ramanan Ramakrishnan and Kamil Abdul Munim. Speaking at a campaign event in Terengganu last night, Rafizi said party leaders had initially wanted to focus on the people's needs and on governance instead of party elections. 'Our performance is good, the rakyat is starting to be more open to us, and there are signs we're making headway with Malay voters. So why take the risk and hold party elections?' he said. He said the plan was to win GE16, secure a second term for Anwar, and then amend the party constitution to allow elections six months after each general election, a model which he said is practised in many other countries. 'This is normal. Other countries do it too.' He said political parties in other countries do not hold internal elections halfway through a government term. However, the decision was reversed, on the grounds that party elections were needed to bring in new talent. He specifically named Ramanan, who is eyeing a vice-president post, and Kamil, who has won the PKR Youth chief post uncontested. 'The reason given was that if we delay until 2027, Kamil would be over 35 and ineligible to contest in the youth wing,' he said. Rafizi said the reversal has opened the floodgates to opportunism and sparked the current internal turbulence. 'If we had stuck with the original decision and not entertained these two or three so-called new talent who are so eager to jump in, we wouldn't have 'HIRUK' and 'DAMAI',' he said, referring to the rival camps led by him and Nurul Izzah Anwar in the race for the deputy presidency. Last year, it was reported that discussions had taken place at a central leadership meeting on the possibility of delaying party elections until after the general election. However, PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh clarified that no final decision was reached during those discussions. PKR members will vote for the party's central leadership next Friday.
Malay Mail
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
PKR leaders urged to prioritise unity ahead of national congress, avoid rash decisions
PUTRAJAYA, May 16 — PKR Party Election Committee Chairman Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa reminded leaders in the party leadership to think rationally and not take hasty actions, especially with the party elections still ongoing and the National Congress approaching. She said they should avoid making emotional decisions that could jeopardise unity within the party, especially with the upcoming PKR National Congress set to begin on May 21. She said actions such as threatening to resign would only disrupt efforts to strengthen the party and could affect the smooth organisation of the congress. 'Think before taking any action. The most important thing after this election is for us to unite, close ranks for the sake of the party's strength and continue to fight for the agenda of developing the country,' she said when met here today. She was responding to rumours that several branch committee members were considering stepping down due to dissatisfaction with the recently elected divisional leaders. She emphasised the importance of preserving the party's family spirit and approaching differences in opinion with an open heart. 'We are all contesting in the spirit of family, as brothers and sisters, to ensure we can continue to move forward together,' he said. Commenting on the competition between Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli and Nurul Izzah Anwar for the post of PKR Deputy President, Dr Zaliha described it as a reflection of the party's mature and healthy democratic culture. 'There is no issue with anyone stepping forward to contest, be it Rafizi, Nurul Izzah or any other leader offering to serve the party. Each has their own strength, talent and track record. This should be harnessed for the party's benefit, particularly in efforts to strengthen PKR's position and secure victory in the next elections. The 2025 PKR National Congress is scheduled to be held from May 21 to 24, with the main polling day on May 23. —Bernama
