Harapan should focus on delivering promises, not PKR polls, says Rafizi

PKR AGM | Rafizi Ramli, who yesterday conceded defeat in the PKR deputy presidential race, has opined that the Pakatan Harapan presidential council has more important matters to discuss rather than PKR's internal affairs.

"We have this standing of respect for each other in Harapan, that we do not interfere in each other’s running (of parties)," he told the media at PKR's national congress in Shah Alam today.

Earlier today, Bersatu secretary-general Marzuki Yahya said his party will raise the issue of money politics allegedly infiltrating the recent PKR election at the upcoming Harapan presidential council meeting.

Marzuki, who is also the deputy foreign minister, said Bersatu is concerned that such allegations may impact the Harapan administration.

Rafizi acknowledged that the allegations could be discussed by the council, but stated that Harapan should be focusing on fulfilling election pledges.

"I think Harapan needs to focus even more on its delivery," he said, adding that this appeared to be the main concern of the rakyat who want to see the coalition fulfil its election promises.

'Wait until other parties hold polls'

Elaborating further, Rafizi said PKR had borne the brunt of criticism as it was the first party in Harapan to carry out its internal polls after the 14th general election.

"Money politics is going to be a problem in any party, it just so happened that PKR is the first one to carry out our polls.

"Wait until it's Amanah, Bersatu. Even DAP (holds its polls) behind closed doors,” he said.

He added that PKR has pledged to probe complaints over alleged money politics and has even agreed to take the matter to the relevant authorities.

"While other parties try to balance it (allegations of money politics) between trying to keep it behind closed doors and not escalating (matters) to the authorities, we don't believe that.”

He said that money politics and corruption within the party should be referred to the authorities “even at the expense of what is perceived to be our public image”.

  - Mkini