PKR polls: Rafizi-Azmin clash imminent for number two post?

Speculation is rife that former Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli could be slated to contest the PKR deputy presidency.

This could set him on a collision course with rival and incumbent PKR deputy president Azmin Ali.

"I haven't made any decisions yet," Rafizi told Malaysiakini briefly when contacted on the matter.

The speculation surrounding Rafizi first emerged after it was reported by The Star that party de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim had brought up the former's name while discussing his own future following the planned hand-over of the country's premiership from Dr Mahathir Mohamad.

On whether the deputy premiership would be assumed by Azmin or Bersatu president Muhyiddin Yassin, Anwar had jokingly said, "Rafizi is not in, how come?"

"Quote me, but please put it as me saying this in a jovial mood,” Anwar purportedly said with a laugh.

This fanned speculation that Anwar may prefer Rafizi to be his deputy in PKR as well. 

Analyst: Anwar must consolidate party

A clash between Rafizi (picture, below) and Azmin, however, would be bad for PKR, said political pundit Faisal Hazis.

"If the two of them go head-to-head, it will definitely weaken and divide the party," the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia-based analyst told Malaysiakini.

He said this would be detrimental to efforts to unite the party, which has been marred by internal conflict.

"Anwar (photo, below) needs to consolidate the party since there is a perception that PKR is a weak link in the Harapan government despite having the most number of seats. (This perception) is mostly due to infighting," he added.

The clash between those aligned with either Azmin or Rafizi had dominated PKR politics since 2014 following the Kajang-move debacle.

Kajang-move was a by-election engineered by Rafizi, which was meant to remove then Selangor Menteri Besar Abdul Khalid Ibrahim and replace him with Anwar instead.

An overturned acquittal in Anwar's Sodomy II trial and tensions with the Selangor palace, however, eventually saw Azmin taking over the state instead.

However, there is a possibility that a Rafizi and Azmin showdown might not occur.

Some camps in PKR are believed to be pushing for Azmin to go for the president post, which Anwar is contesting.

PKR women chief Zuraida Kamaruddin, in a statement yesterday, had said PKR should not block challengers for any posts in the party including the presidency, while also espousing Azmin's credentials.

Azmin himself has said that he has yet to decide on which party post to contest, while his political secretary Hilman Adham said the economic affairs minister would not challenge Anwar.

The PKR elections will begin in late August, and nominations must be submitted between July 27 and July 29. - Mkini