ECONOMY Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli sparked significant turmoil ahead of the PKR elections, transforming a typically low-key party poll into a major national issue.
His actions alienated many within the party, and the very practices he condemned — money politics and vote-buying — led to his defeat by Nurul Izzah Anwar in the PKR deputy presidency race.
Speculation is rife that Rafizi may resign as Economy Minister, a pledge he made during the PKR elections, following his loss to Nurul Izzah in the deputy presidency race.
Additionally, there are whispers of party leadership seeking to oust Rafizi for violating party norms and waging an all-out campaign against PKR leaders and structures during the polls.
Rafizi further stirred controversy by accusing Nurul Izzah, daughter of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, of aligning with leaders involved in alleged money politics, vote-buying, and rigging, intensifying tensions within the party.
Nevertheless, Anwar, who is also the PKR president, urged Rafizi and Nurul Izzah to avoid condemning each other despite their intense campaigning for the party’s deputy presidency.
Speaking at PKR’s National Congress, Anwar described their excesses as minor mistakes that should be forgiven, emphasising party unity. He noted their long shared struggle and urged forgiveness, saying he forgives all.
Anwar stressed that PKR must collectively strengthen itself, as the party has not yet fully achieved its reformist ideals and goals, calling for continued collaboration to realise its vision. But insiders believe life in the party will be tough, as Rafizi should expect a rough ride with the new leadership now in place.
Analysts are speculating about Rafizi’s political future. Some believe he will take a less prominent role, allowing PKR’s new leadership to steer the party’s direction. Others suggest he may be forced to exit PKR and could be drawn to join the opposition, given his recent conflicts and loss in the deputy presidency race.
Although Rafizi has affirmed his loyalty to PKR, questions arise about whether he will feel at ease alongside those who allegedly won the recent party elections through money politics.
PAS Central Committee member Dr Mohd Zuhdi Marsuki declared Rafizi unsuitable to join PAS despite invitations from the country’s largest political organisation. He stated that Rafizi does not meet PAS’s Islamic-rooted criteria, as the party’s Majlis Syura Ulama consists of scholars well-versed in Islamic teachings.
Zuhdi also stated that Rafizi does not embody PAS’ core principles, established in 1951, which focus on promoting Islamic laws and values in governance and defending bumiputera rights while respecting other communities.
Furthermore, Zuhdi noted that Rafizi’s political approach aligns with Western right-wing trends, making him unsuitable for PAS. While PAS requires members to be Malaysian, Muslim, and of mature age, a key condition is adherence to the party’s constitution and decisions.
He emphasised that PAS members must uphold Islam’s sanctity, with political decisions guided by the Majlis Syura Ulama based on Islamic principles, highlighting a disconnect with Rafizi’s political stance amid speculation about his future following his PKR deputy presidency loss.
Zuhdi said if Rafizi loses, he doesn’t think Rafizi will join PAS. Instead, it’s not impossible that he might join a new coalition with right-leaning figures like former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin, Muar MP Syed Saddiq and others of their ilk.
“Malaysian politics would become more interesting if these figures unite to form a third force to face Perikatan Nasional (PN) and Pakatan Harapan-Barisan Nasional in the upcoming general election. Perhaps MCA and MIC would join them too,” he said.
It is believed that Rafizi would face even greater challenges joining Bersatu, a party reportedly in turmoil due to internal divisions and conflicts with PAS within the PN coalition. — May 24, 2025
