Rafizi confirms going for deputy president's post in PKR, says current political scenario too muddled

KUALA LUMPUR: The contest for the number two post in PKR is heating up, with Rafizi Ramli confirming that he will go for the deputy president's post.

Rafizi said he was offering himself as PKR and Pakatan Harapan’s candidate.

"I have been urged by PKR and Pakatan Harapan supporters from the community to return to the political ring.

"It took me some time to think about it, as I wasn't convinced I could make any difference as my views are shared only by the minority in Pakatan Harapan.

"The coalition should accept the Johor election results with an open heart, as we are not here only to win the election but to bring about idealistic and progressive politics to the people," he said.

He added that the present political scenario has become so muddled as parties that accuse each other of betrayal were willing to work together just to win elections.

Rafizi said one such strategy was the proposed "big tent" approach to cooperate with other parties vying against Barisan Nasional.

"Recently, I was made to understand that the Pakatan presidential council had agreed to discuss cooperating with Perikatan Nasional for the 15th general election," he said.

He added that while there were no signs that such a "big tent" approach had brought any results so far, it still seemed to be the only approach being considered.

"It is almost as if these leaders have given up on other ides on how to win back the confidence of the people," Rafizi said.

"A sense of 'political fatigue' has also set in with people being disgusted by the antics of politicians who use various tactics just to be in power or to grab power.

"I have never been interested in politics or nurtured any ambition for high office as I have always felt that if one can't serve, he should make way for others," said Rafizi in his blogpost.

"Since 2019, I have voiced my views against forming coalitions without taking into account the people's sentiments, but just to gain power.

"I have been a PKR member since 1999 and have always held to the belief that various political ideologies could lead to a progressive nation.

"However, such progressive politics between various races is on a dangerous slide presently," added Rafizi.

Rafizi's entry would add much excitement to the PKR polls, as party secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was seen as the sole contender for the deputy president's post in the party election in April.