Rafizi ready for debate with Nurul Izzah as PKR deputy president contest heats up

 

Datuk Seri Mohd Rafizi Ramli speaks to locals during the Hiruk roadshow at Dewan Sri Mentakab, Temerloh. - NSTP/MUHAMMAD DELIMA ATAN

TEMERLOH: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has expressed his readiness to engage in an open debate with Nurul Izzah Anwar as they vie for the deputy presidency in the upcoming PKR party elections later this month.

Rafizi, who is seeking to defend his position as deputy president, said he welcomed the suggestion from grassroots members for a face-to-face debate with his fellow contender – provided it is organised by an independent third party.

"During the previous party election, it was customary for candidates vying for the deputy presidency, including Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail (the 2022 contender), to participate in debates. Such discussions also help defuse tensions during the campaign period.

"PKR is a party that embraces a new political culture. As we enter the final week before the election, grassroots members have proposed a debate with Nurul Izzah, and I am open to the idea," he told reporters after his Hidupkan Idealisme Reformasi dalam Ujian Kuasa (HIRUK) roadshow at the Mentakab Hall today.

Rafizi said he would leave the matter to potential organisers, typically media outlets, to propose a suitable date and venue.

"From past experience, interested parties will usually step forward to organise such debates, seek approval from both candidates, and coordinate the scheduling.

"So far, no one has approached me. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to go knocking on their doors, so it's best if the media takes the lead in organising the event," he added.

Earlier in his speech, Rafizi reiterated that since PKR was a party that championed reform, he was fully prepared to engage in a constructive debate with Nurul Izzah in their contest for the deputy presidency.

"I've debated with KJ (Khairy Jamaluddin) and with the Bachok member of parliament (Mohd Syahir Che Sulaiman). Debates help focus attention on core issues rather than veering into unrelated topics," he said.

Rafizi is set to face a direct challenge from long-time ally Nurul Izzah during the party elections on May 23. - NST