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PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has confirmed that he will defend hi post in the upcoming party elections scheduled for May 24.
The Economy Minister, said that stepping aside would risk destabilising both the party and the Unity Government leadership.
Rafizi, who has held the deputy presidency since securing it from Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail in the 2022 PKR elections, explained that his decision was made to avoid any internal party conflicts that could harm the broader government agenda.
"If someone like me were to say that I am not interested and want to do something else, it would create too much drama within the government at a time when we really need to hold on for the next two to three years," he said.
Rafizi’s re-election bid comes after a history of close contests within the party.
He previously ran for the deputy president position in 2018 but was defeated by Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali. His victory in 2022 solidified his position as one of the key figures within PKR.
The Pandan MP further explained that the focus of the upcoming PKR party elections should be to maintain a mature and healthy democratic process, while also upholding the party's role in supporting the government.
“PKR’s primary focus in these party polls is to ensure that the democratic process operates maturely and healthily. We must also continue our commitment to the government’s stability,” he said, underscoring that the party needs to avoid unnecessary drama at a crucial time.
Rafizi’s remarks reflect concerns that political instability could undermine the government’s goals, particularly the ambitious target of transforming Malaysia into a high-income nation by 2028.
“I don’t think the public wants to see too much drama from any political party. We should focus on the possibility of achieving high-income nation status by 2028,” Rafizi added, reiterating the need for unity and focus on national development rather than internal party squabbles.
With the elections just a few months away, Rafizi’s decision to stay in the race signals his commitment to continuing his leadership role within PKR and ensuring that the party remains united as it plays a pivotal role in Malaysia's political future. – March 20, 2025