PKR leaders mixed over Rafizi’s possible return to active politics

 

Supporters of Rafizi Ramli have been calling for his return to active politics as PKR prepares for the 15th general election.

PETALING JAYA: There is mixed sentiment among PKR leaders over calls for vice-president Rafizi Ramli to return to active politics, beginning with the party elections in April

Perak PKR chief Farhash Wafa Salvador Rizal Mubarak described it as a “very internal and very sensitive” matter to address.

“He is still a member, so I welcome (his return to active politics), but that does not mean I like him,” Farhash, a former political aide to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, told FMT.

Rafizi’s supporters have recently been clamouring for his return to active politics as PKR prepares for the 15th general election.

This follows a Malaysiakini report quoting the former Pandan MP as saying he was taking into account several factors before deciding on whether to play a bigger role in politics.

Rafizi is also seen as a contender for the deputy president’s post, which has been left vacant following Azmin Ali’s sacking from the party in the wake of the Sheraton Move, which led to the Pakatan Harapan government’s collapse in 2020.

Farhash, who earlier this month announced that he was vying for the PKR Gombak division chief’s post, currently held by Selangor menteri besar Amirudin Shari, said he was unperturbed by talk of Rafizi’s return.

“If he really wants to come back, just come back,” he said.

Meanwhile, Selangor PKR deputy communications director Zainol Abidin Mohamed questioned Rafizi’s sincerity in championing the party struggle.

Zainol Abidin said Rafizi abandoned the party when it needed him most, namely during the formation of the PH government.

Rafizi, as a leader, should have rectified any weaknesses in the PH government, he said.

“Instead, he chose to leave the (political) arena,” he said, adding that it made “no difference” if Rafizi were to return to active politics.

Kota Anggerik assemblyman Najwan Halimi said he would welcome Rafizi’s return as he would be able to play a role in strengthening the party, which was vital in preparing for the next general election.

Rafizi had on Dec 10, 2019 announced his exit from politics to concentrate on his start-up project, saying he was at a stage in life where he “needs to learn”.

PKR MP Wong Chen had attributed Rafizi’s decision to a lack of support he received when he was charged, and subsequently acquitted, under the Banking and Financial Institutions Act (Bafia). - FMT