A PKR veteran has opined that Rafizi Ramli should not only be given space to voice criticism of the government, but also considered to lead the party as its next president.
According to Hassan Karim, Rafizi's criticisms are not slanderous but are grounded in the former economy minister's expertise and experience, particularly in policy and governance matters.
“I take a fairly open and positive view. It’s fine for Rafizi to express his views, and when he speaks about issues, he is not engaging in defamation.
“For example, when he (Rafizi) debated the royal address motion in Parliament recently, he raised the fiscal deficit and tax issues.
“For me, that is very good. He examined an issue and used his knowledge as an accountant - that role should actually be played by the opposition, but the opposition does not have that expertise, so he continues to speak up,” Hassan (above) told Malaysiakini.
Since losing the PKR deputy presidency race to party president Anwar Ibrahim’s daughter Nurul Izzah and resigning from the cabinet last year, Rafizi has become more vocal in criticising party figures and government matters.
Besides his social media posts where he frequently shares his opinions on various issues, the former economy minister also hosts his own podcast, dubbed “Yang Berhenti Menteri”.
In one of his podcast episodes last December, Rafizi asserted that he had raised several concerns internally during his time in the cabinet, but had opted to give Anwar the benefit of the doubt in hopes that the prime minister would make changes.
Having exhausted all available avenues, Rafizi said he believes there are still issues that need to be raised, and he is voicing them now, especially since he is no longer bound by cabinet rules.
Recently, he also asserted that he is free from a fixation on the premiership - an obsession which he suggested has defined Anwar's political life.
The Pandan MP opined that anyone who believes the nation or society needs them “has a complex”, stressing that politicians’ work should be executed as a contribution to the rakyat and “investment” for the akhirat (afterlife).
‘Don’t take action’
Commenting further on Rafizi’s actions, Hassan stressed that he does not agree with any disciplinary action being taken against the latter, cautioning that such a potential move could negatively impact PKR and Pakatan Harapan.
“I do not agree with Rafizi being subjected to disciplinary action...If you disagree with him, respond rationally. Do not take action against him," the Pasir Gudang MP urged.
“Rafizi has contributed a lot to the party, and I still remember him saying that if we won many seats in the election, we would free Anwar, and that did happen... Indeed, our aim was for Anwar to become prime minister.
“If he (Rafizi) criticises the government or raises issues, the party should persuade him, not take action. If action is taken, the impact on PKR and Harapan will be significant,” he added.
Hassan also said he is confident that Anwar would not side with moves for Rafizi to be subjected to disciplinary action.
“PKR is a big party, and Anwar is also a magnanimous person... Anwar is not the type to seek revenge; he is open, and people should not slander him.
"Speak with facts - if our facts are wrong, he will correct them, and the party can correct them,” he said.
He also suggested that party leaders contact Rafizi for a proper discussion and listen to his views, rather than rejecting or sidelining critical voices within the party.
“Why would he want to form a new party? He has contributed a lot to PKR; he helped build this party. He has rendered many services.
“Anwar will not be party president forever, and I suggest that if we win again (in the next election), we appoint him (Anwar) for one more term as prime minister. But, within PKR, after Anwar, I propose Rafizi as PKR president, with Nurul Izzah remaining as deputy president.
“In the next party election, Nurul Izzah should defend the deputy presidency and Rafizi become president. Everyone supports him, so we can combine the younger generation, while Anwar can become party adviser and continue to hold the prime minister’s post for another term,” he proposed.
‘Not a threat’
When contacted, former PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the criticisms voiced by Rafizi should not be seen as a threat to the party or the government.
Acknowledging that he himself often criticises the government, albeit in a different style, Nik Nazmi stressed that such a culture of speaking out is in line with the democratic spirit embraced by PKR.
“We have not departed from our original fight to bring about change,” Nik Nazmi told Malaysiakini.
He also rejected the perception that such criticism is aimed at bringing down the government, affirming that parliamentarians have a duty to voice their concerns on matters affecting the rakyat.
“We do not sabotage the budget (and) we do not want to change the prime minister. As backbenchers, we speak up based on what we feel is right,” the Setiawangsa MP said.
According to the former natural resources and environmental sustainability minister, Rafizi plays the role of a “conscience” or moral voice for the party and the government.
“I do not see any need for disciplinary action (against Rafizi) as doing so would only prolong the issue and would not help PKR or Harapan,” Nik Nazmi opined.
Political reality
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia’s Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities director Mazlan Ali said Rafizi’s criticisms should be viewed within the context of Malaysia’s political reality, particularly within the framework of a coalition government involving multiple parties with different ideological backgrounds.
Mazlan described Rafizi as a figure who tends to be idealistic while demanding comprehensive and immediate reforms.
“The problem is, we must understand Malaysia’s political background. Religion and race are still the main factors. Moreover, this is not a Harapan-only government, but a unity government,” he said.
According to Mazlan, Anwar's government cannot implement the Harapan manifesto in full without taking into account the positions and manifestos of coalition partners such as BN, Gabungan Parti Sarawak and Gabungan Rakyat Sabah.
The academic cited the issue of appointing politicians to government-linked companies (GLCs), which he said is still accepted in Umno’s political culture and cannot be changed abruptly.
“For Umno, appointing politicians is normal for a party that has governed for a long time... We must respect Umno’s position (as they believe that), appointing politicians is not a problem as long as there is integrity.
“And even if professionals are appointed to those positions, it does not necessarily guarantee transparency. We see today many civil servants being charged. MACC makes arrests - who are they? All professionals.
“So the issue of integrity does not mean politicians lack integrity. Violations can happen to anyone,” he said.
As such, Mazlan warned that excessive open criticism by Rafizi could harm the government’s reputation, although he acknowledged that criticism is fundamentally an individual right.
Own political movement
However, Mazlan said if Rafizi wants to bring a comprehensive reform agenda, he should lead or head his own political movement.
“From one angle, criticism is good, and from another angle, criticism can damage the government’s reputation by exposing weaknesses.
“In fact, we respect the right of anyone to criticise, and as long as it does not violate the law or amount to defamation, there is no problem with criticism. But, as a politician, if Rafizi wants to put forward his reforms and ideas, it would be better for him to lead a political party and try to contest in elections," Mazlan added.
He also posited that Rafizi could attempt to defend the Pandan parliamentary constituency as an independent candidate to test whether he has sufficient "influence" and support.
While reminding that no government is perfect, Mazlan emphasised that criticism from within the government should be constructive.
“I think that would be better because he (Rafizi) is still a government MP, a PKR MP for now.
"His criticism, in my view, should build the government, because there is no perfect government in this world. There will always be weaknesses here and there,” he added. - Mkini
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