Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli has dismissed speculation that he plans to leave his seat to contest for Bandar Tun Razak in the next general election.
In the latest episode of his Yang Berhenti Menteri podcast, Rafizi addressed claims by former Bangi MP Ong Kian Ming, who suggested he could challenge Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in the constituency held by Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
“I want to make it clear that this is just empty talk from him (Ong). I have repeatedly announced that I will contest in Pandan.
“My political stance, and that of my colleagues, is not tied to Anwar - he is free to do as he wishes,” said the former economy minister.
Ong, who did not defend his seat in the 15th general election, had speculated that Rafizi might target a “bigger” contest than facing PKR’s rumoured Pandan candidate, former minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
“I feel there are two individuals who, to Rafizi’s mind, may be a bigger, more suitable target - PKR deputy president (Nurul Izzah Anwar) and PKR president (Anwar),” Ong claimed.
“There is also a chance that I think is quite plausible, that PM will come down to KL and contest in Bandar Tun Razak to replace Wan Azizah.
“Rafizi will then contest in Bandar Tun Razak to try and defeat Anwar,” he added, saying other non-Pakatan Harapan parties could make way for a straight fight.
Championing progressive politics
Responding further, Rafizi reiterated his support for “progressive politics” rather than personality-driven alignments.
“That is also one of the reasons for the internal clashes within PKR, where some now see their political future as being dependent on Anwar.
“We, on the other hand, see the future of politics as defending and revitalising progressive politics - with or without Anwar.
“Therefore, our political calculations are not tied to anyone. We are not the calculative type. Maybe he (Ong) is, but we are not.
“I’m not sure whether he plans to contest again or return to politics. We’ll just have to wait and see,” Rafizi added.
Tensions with Ong
The PKR lawmaker also said he had not spoken to Ong for several years, claiming tensions had grown since 2021.
“One of the reasons is that I was uncomfortable, especially in 2021, when there were rumours that he (Ong) was more inclined towards Muhyiddin Yassin.
“At the time, I recall that a small group within DAP viewed the choice between BN and PN (Perikatan Nasional) as the ‘lesser of two evils’, and they leaned towards Muhyiddin,” he said.
“As for his recent remarks, I don’t quite understand them. To make such political comments, he should have some form of internal information.
“Yet within PKR, we ourselves are not very comfortable with him. He has never been particularly close to us, but the way he speaks makes it sound like we are best friends,” Rafizi added.
Khairy’s return to Umno
On Khairy Jamaluddin’s return to Umno, Rafizi suggested that it was driven by electoral prospects.
“For him (Khairy), whether it is PN or BN does not matter - as long as there is someone willing to lift and promote him. If there is a chance of winning, that is where he will go.
“So, in my view, he has two conditions: first, a chance to win and gain power; second, having someone willing to elevate and promote him,” he said.
In a Facebook post, Khairy thanked the Umno supreme council for accepting his application to return after four years, saying he was mindful of his responsibilities.
“My time outside the party has given me the space for reflection and to address my personal shortcomings.
“I return not with any demands, but with the resolve to serve and contribute as best as I can to strengthen Umno,” he said, adding he was ready to work with all levels of leadership and grassroots.
Earlier, Khairy shared on Instagram that he attended a Sungai Buloh PAS Hari Raya open house with several Umno leaders, hosted by its division chief Zaharudin Muhamad and Selangor PAS commissioner Halim Tamuri.
Others present included Bersatu secretary-general Azmin Ali and former Tanjong Karang MP Noh Omar.
In January, Ong had also expressed willingness to assist Khairy in a future election campaign and serve in a cabinet with him as prime minister. Khairy welcomed the offer, citing their friendship and shared vision for the country. - Mkini
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