Increased visibility of Tengku Zafrul in Rafizi-linked seat fuels speculation on shift within party
PETALING JAYA: Growing signs of political manoeuvring in Pandan and uncertainty over Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli’s future are raising questions over PKR’s internal cohesion and its strategy ahead of the next general election.
Recent engagements in the Pandan constituency by Senior Political Adviser to the Prime Minister, Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz, have fuelled speculation that he could be positioned for the urban seat long associated with Rafizi.
While no official candidacy has been announced, analysts said such early visibility is unlikely to be coincidental.
International Islamic University Malaysia political analyst and ISEAS–Yusof Ishak Institute fellow Assoc Prof Dr Syaza Shukri said the development points to deeper shifts within PKR, particularly in how the party manages loyalty and influence.
“When it comes to Tengku Zafrul, it reflects a shift within PKR, although it is not entirely surprising. Malaysia’s political and party system has long been shaped by patronage. “Placing Tengku Zafrul in an urban seat under PKR can be seen as a reward for joining the party, but it may also be interpreted as sidelining Rafizi,” she said.
She added that earlier speculation of Tengku Zafrul contesting in Ampang, a seat linked to Rafizi allies, underscores what she described as a consolidation of elite power within the party.
The developments come as Rafizi has indicated he will only decide on his political direction by June, amid speculation over the possibility of forming or joining a new party. For Syaza, the implications are already apparent.
“When Rafizi said that, it suggests he is no longer with PKR. Previously, he was seen as a dissenting voice within the party. But now, it points to a breakdown in trust that could lead to further fragmentation,” she said. Despite this, she cautioned against underestimating Rafizi’s political strength, particularly among urban voters.
“I believe Rafizi and his allies still have their own base. While it may not be significant at the national level, they are well known among urban voters and could retain their seats, potentially at the expense of Pakatan Harapan.
“That is why there is a push to field prominent figures such as Tengku Zafrul in urban constituencies,” she said. On voter perception, she added that Rafizi’s reputation as a policy-driven and data-oriented leader remains intact, albeit with limitations.
“Rafizi is not a typical politician. He is capable and data-driven, and is often viewed as a reformist figure.
“However, his appeal is still relatively limited and does not necessarily resonate beyond his core support base,” she said.
Meanwhile, Nusantara Academy for Strategic Research senior fellow Dr Azmi Hassan said Rafizi’s departure from PKR appears increasingly likely.
“One thing is certain – Rafizi will contest in GE16, but not under the PKR banner. That is the easier part to predict.”
Azmi said the more complex issue lies in how PKR manages leaders aligned with Rafizi.
“There are several MPs seen as aligned with him. The question is where they stand ahead of GE16 and whether they will still be fielded as PKR candidates,” he said.
Despite the uncertainty, Azmi believes Pandan remains Rafizi’s strongest base.
“He has performed well in Pandan. Even if Tengku Zafrul is fielded there, Rafizi’s best chance is to defend that seat.
“Without the PKR banner, it would be difficult for him to contest elsewhere as he is closely associated with Pandan.”
He added that grassroots dynamics could also complicate any move to field Tengku Zafrul in the constituency compared with Rafizi, who is more accustomed to engaging at the grassroots level.