Former PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail became visibly emotional reflecting on the recent party election outcome that saw Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli lose the deputy president race. Speaking at the PKR National Congress held at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre, Saifuddin recounted a heartfelt moment where he embraced Rafizi and expressed regret, confessing his fear of losing such a valuable leader from the party’s ranks.
Saifuddin, who also serves as Pakatan Harapan’s chief secretariat, emphasized his long-standing connection with Rafizi, tracing back to years before their alignment within PKR. He recalled the time when Rafizi returned to Malaysia after a decade of studies abroad, and how he personally welcomed him in Johor Baru, engaging in meaningful discussions about Rafizi’s future political path. Saifuddin also mentioned having once appointed Rafizi as a speechwriter during his tenure in Selangor, underscoring the trust and recognition he had for Rafizi’s capabilities.
The election campaign for the PKR deputy presidency had been notably intense, with Rafizi facing off directly against Nurul Izzah Anwar. Despite Rafizi’s vigorous campaign, the seasoned political strategist lost by a significant margin. Saifuddin acknowledged the campaign’s heated nature, describing it as chaotic and marked by factional tensions within the party.
He further shared his nuanced perspective on Rafizi’s viewpoints during the contest, particularly highlighting Rafizi’s criticism of what he saw as preferential treatment for newer party members by the party leadership. Rafizi had openly questioned whether long-serving and loyal members were being adequately rewarded under Anwar Ibrahim’s leadership.
Despite occasional disagreements with Rafizi, Saifuddin stressed the importance of valuing such political talent and urged party leaders to nurture rather than alienate voices like Rafizi’s. Following the election, he personally met with both Rafizi and Nurul Izzah to better understand the situation and later advised Anwar to prioritize the retention and care of key leaders within PKR, regardless of differences.
Present at the congress alongside Saifuddin were PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, advisory council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and newly elected deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar. The gathering underscored the ongoing challenge for PKR to maintain unity and harness its political talents as it moves forward.
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