KUALA LUMPUR – PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli will not officiate the party’s Youth and Women’s National Congress on May 22, in what party insiders say is a signal of his dissatisfaction with how the upcoming party elections are being run.
Scoop’s source confirmed a report that Rafizi had sent a formal letter to party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to decline the invitation.
“Regretfully, I wish to inform that I do not intend to accept this invitation,” Rafizi was quoted as saying in the letter.
“It’s a reflection of Rafizi’s unhappiness with the election process, which he claims is skewed towards Nurul Izzah (Anwar),” the source told Scoop.
The move comes as internal support swings in favour of his rival for the deputy presidency, Nurul Izzah, and PKR vice-presidential hopeful Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari.
“But snubbing the Women’s and Youth Congress is not going to help him gain support or sympathy.
“He’s just playing into the narrative that he is not a team player,” the insider added.
Their momentum was particularly visible in Sabah, where Rafizi was notably left out of the launch of the state party’s election machinery in Kota Kinabalu today.
Rafizi has publicly accused the party of orchestrating the contest in favour of Nurul Izzah, the prime minister’s daughter, claiming that “the whole party machinery has been mobilised to ensure my defeat.”
He described the race as taking place on an “uneven playing field” and likened his chances to contesting “a match that is already lost.”
Speaking during a campaign stop in Sarawak, Rafizi said party figures had attempted to demoralise him into withdrawing from the race to allow Nurul Izzah a walkover.
Despite this, he insisted he would not back down, calling his decision to contest a “berani mati” (do-or-die) move but one he is determined to see through.
Earlier, he had also indicated his willingness to resign as economy minister if he fails to retain the deputy presidency, saying he would welcome the freedom that comes with stepping away from government.
It was understood that 21 out of 25 Sabah PKR branches showed up and voiced open backing for Nurul Izzah and Amirudin, both of whom are contesting in the party polls.
The discontent has also surfaced in Sabah, where some members have expressed frustration over Rafizi’s perceived lack of engagement.
Still, his absence from the congress has raised eyebrows, with critics suggesting it may hurt, rather than help, his standing.
The Youth and Women’s National Congress is a key prelude to the main PKR National Congress at the end of the month. Central elections will take place on May 23. – May 18, 2025
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