Battle of wits between Rafizi and PKR continues

 

PANDAN MP and former economy minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has until today to explain his statement that he intends to contest in the 16th General Election (GE16) other than under a PKR ticket.

He has to respond to a show-cause letter issued by the party on Feb 23. The letter was issued by PKR secretary-general, Datuk Fuziah Salleh.

However, Rafizi, in a pre-emptive statement on the show-cause letter, started a battle of wits with the party’s secgen.

While Rafizi confirmed receiving the show-cause letter from PKR on Thursday (Feb 26), he explained his position in a video full of sarcasm. He said the party sent the letter because he had allegedly declared his exit from the party, which he claims is now being used against him in a twist.

“They claim I declared I am leaving the party when I said I would contest in GE16 but not on a PKR ticket. That plan would only take place once Parliament is dissolved and I am no longer bound by the Anti-Party Hopping Act.

“After I am no longer an MP, it is up to me what I choose to do,” he said in a video posted on his Facebook account on Thursday.

Rafizi also said the law cannot be decided based on intention alone.

A parliamentary seat can only be vacated if an elected representative officially and formally announces leaving a party or joining another party.

He did not send any official letter to the party indicating his intention to resign as a party MP, which would also mean that he is resigning as the Pandan MP..

He then criticised Fuziah Salleh, saying her actions were similar to what he described as “twists and turns” during the party elections, including changes to the voting system, the use of blockchain and the refusal to open ballot boxes for audit.

While waiting for Rafizi to respond to her letter, Fuziah said: “He (Rafizi) said he would contest in GE16 but not under the PKR ticket. It may create the perception that he intends to leave the party.

“As such, the show-cause letter offers him the opportunity to clarify. We do not want to take action arbitrarily; it is best that we adhere to the party constitution,” she said to the media.

Fuziah said PKR does not want to make a hasty decision without first hearing an explanation from the former economy minister.

Rafizi said in another video that PKR and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim do not want to sack him because they want him to quit and face the law, which states an MP from PKR must pay a RM10mil fine if they leave the party.

As the verbal clashes between Rafizi and party leaders intensify, voters await the outcome of a fierce battle between the so-called “raja formula” and a party that has left many disillusioned with its lack of reforms despite holding power for three years. — Focus Malaysia