KUALA LUMPUR – Is Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli using reverse psychology in his campaign to defend the PKR deputy presidency? In a campaign speech in Kulim last night, the incumbent number two appeared to have shockingly urged party members to support his opponent, Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Whether it was a strategic move or an honest gesture, the economy minister suggested her defeat would reflect a loss of confidence in her father, PKR president and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“There’s no other outcome that makes sense except for Nurul Izzah to win.
“Let’s say Nurul Izzah loses, what signal would it send to the people?...it will send a message that PKR members reject Anwar. That is why Nurul Izzah must win,” he was reported as saying.
He said if Nurul Izzah were to lose, PKR would enter the next general election “in an unimaginable situation” where it would face not only the opposition, but internal and external political turmoil.
Calling the challenge for the party’s number two post unavoidable, Rafizi – talking to supporters at the Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi Dalam Ujian Kuasa (Hiruk) tour stop in Sg Seluang in Kulim – claimed he had no choice but to contest, for the sake of the party.
Rafizi, who is defending his post as deputy president, said that while some grassroots members may hold differing views, the weight of responsibility on Nurul Izzah would be immense if she were to win, and thus, she should be supported.
“Even if some members don’t see things the same way, I think Izzah bears the heavier burden in this election. She should be helped, not tested,” he said in his speech, which was also livestreamed on his Facebook.
“But no matter our personal choices, the decision must favour Izzah. If not, it means Anwar is being rejected.”
“If we are honest, if we know our path, if we’re not the type to hold grudges… insya-Allah, we’ll get through this.”
He added that his current approach prioritised PKR’s continuity in government and the reform agenda, even if it meant losing his position.
“I don’t care if I’m no longer a minister or MP. What matters is that the party machinery survives. I pity you all – the ones who’ll be out campaigning every night.”
Rafizi also took aim at senior party figures who, he claimed, pushed for Nurul Izzah’s candidacy to sideline division leaders aligned with him.
He reminded members that there had previously been a consensus within the party’s central council and political bureau that the top two posts should go uncontested, in the interest of unity.
At the same time, he warned Nurul Izzah’s supporters not to insult the public’s intelligence in trying to justify her candidacy, amid nepotism accusations.
“We can debate till kingdom come whether this is nepotism or not. But what matters is that the people will make their own judgement. So don’t issue statements that may be perceived as belittling public intelligence,” he said.
Referencing Fidel Castro’s leadership in Cuba, Rafizi said movements once rooted in revolution can falter due to family dominance. He recalled how Castro’s brother, Raul, was brought into power alongside revolutionary icon Che Guevara, leading to competing spheres of influence that ultimately weakened the Cuban movement’s goals.
In PKR’s case, Rafizi warned that the public was watching, and any “overeager” moves to elevate Nurul Izzah could backfire.
The PKR nomination period closed last Friday. Anwar is unchallenged for the president’s post, while the deputy presidency will see a straight fight between Rafizi and Nurul Izzah. The central leadership elections will take place on May 23.
Anwar has described the contest as a “fight between loyal friends”, while vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad has called it a “healthy family contest”. – May 13, 2025
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