THE Minister of Economy, Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli will contest to defend his position as deputy president of PKR in the party elections this month.
He also welcomed the interest shown by PKR vice president, Nurul Izzah Anwar, and the secretary-general of the PH coalition, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, in contesting for the post.
“If I am elected, I can continue to play a role in the party leadership as deputy president and in government through official channels. If I am not elected, I can return as a grassroots leader, actively campaigning from the ground,” he said in a statement.
Five out of the six youth wing chiefs of PKR Melaka have expressed their support for the proposal to nominate Nurul Izzah Anwar for the position.
They are the youth wing chiefs of Tangga Batu, Farzana Hayani Mohd Nasir, along with Muhammad Hakimi Mokhtar (Hang Tuah Jaya), K Sivabalan (Alor Gajah), V Thivagar (Jasin), and Muhammad Khairi Aiman (Masjid Tanah).
In a joint statement, they said the proposal was a timely step to strengthen the party’s leadership.
“Based on Nurul Izzah’s experience as a former vice president and holder of key party roles, we are confident she can bring synergy to unify the party,” they said.
“Moreover, the number two position has never been held by a woman, and a calibre figure like Nurul Izzah is highly deserving of the role,” they added in a statement.
Meanwhile, former Penang deputy chief minister Prof Ramasamy Palanisamy points out that Rafizi was merely a seat warmer for Nurul Izzah.
According to him, Nurul Izzah has recently seen a sudden surge in support from certain state factions to contest the number two post in the party.
“These moves appear anything but organic. The political choreography is too neat, too rehearsed,” he said.
Readers can find out more about Ramasamy’s thoughts at: https://focusmalaysia.my/ramasamy-pkrs-reformist-facade-succession-planning-crumble-under-the-weight-of-nepotism/—May 7, 2025
Main image: Malay Mail
