Umno defections: Rafizi pens open letter to KJ

PETALING JAYA: In the wake of the recent mass defections of Umno Members of Parliament and assemblymen from the party, Rafizi Ramli has written an open letter to Khairy Jamaluddin in a sympathetic show of solidarity. 

The former PKR vice-president said he understood how “demoralising” it must have been for Khairy, who is Rembau MP, and his colleagues in Umno as Keadilan went through a similar situation in 2010. 

The public nature of his message, he said, is due to their shared responsibility of being open and transparent on matters of public interest.

“The truth is: no one who loves his party (and what it stands for) can stomach MPs (who were elected on the party’s ticket) leaving the party in such a manner. 

“The reason for leaving was not policy differences or anything to do with principles; they went for convenience. Life as opposition MPs feels so hard, having been government MPs for so long,” he said.

Rafizi added that he penned the letter, which was posted on his website and shared on his official Twitter account on Friday, as it would benefit the nation for good and honest people to remain in Umno.

According to Rafizi, Malaysia needs a competent opposition bench - one made up of honest, wise and sincere people - that can articulate issues on behalf of the rakyat. 

“A government that is too strong because the opposition is too weak will eventually become corrupt. We have gone through the experience for 61 years.

“Since 1998, I did not fight for a mere change of government. I wanted to see a robust two-party system,” he said, adding that Umno’s defeat gives it a second chance to embrace reforms. 

“Umno will thrive if those who stay become progressive advocates who speak the truth on behalf of the public,” said Rafizi.

He said Khairy, who was former Youth and Sports minister, is one of the leading lights of the progressive voice in the country. 

“Many young people remain hopeful you will play a pivotal role to promote a new political culture that can unite us in spite of all our differences,” he added. 

And it is for that reason that he hopes Khairy will remain in Umno and help the party to become an effective opposition.

“I pray that all will eventually be well for you,” he added. 

Khairy retweeted Rafizi's message just minutes later with a cheeky reply of his own. 

“Next time, whisper to me during lunch lah. So diva, this open letter,” he joked. 

Lain kali bisik la masa lunch. Diva betul open letter ni. ??