KJ praises Rafizi for winning deputy presidency

PETALING JAYA: Despite being on the opposing side of the political divide, Umno’s Rembau MP Khairy Jamaluddin congratulated Rafizi Ramli after being elected as the deputy PKR president. The Health Minister also welcomed Rafizi back to active politics after he took a break in 2018.

“You are the most talented politician of our generation and (I) wish you the best,” Khairy said in an Instagram post yesterday.

Khairy also posted an undated picture of the duo taken many years ago as both appeared significantly younger in the photo.

In an apparent jibe at Rafizi, who recently lost weight, Khairy joked that Rafizi seemed to be in better shape of late, compared to him.

“Forgive me for the photo. It doesn’t reflect current realities which are more favourable to you,” added Khairy.

Setiawangsa MP Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad also congratulated Rafizi, saying the combination of party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and the former Pandan MP would be the right one to face the 15th General Election.

Nik Nazmi also congratulated Chang Lih Kang, Amirudin Shari and Aminuddin Harun for being part of the four elected vice-presidents’ team, along with him.

“This process marks the rejuvenation and our dedication towards the struggles of reformasi,” he said, adding that the results of the PKR election showed that the party rejected the “Big Tent” strategy.

“Our members have sent a clear signal that they want PKR to strengthen the existing Pakatan pact,” added Nik Nazmi.

Meanwhile, Bernama reported that the tabulation of election results from all states yesterday showed that Rafizi is the clear winner.

Even though labelled as unofficial, Rafizi, who was previously an appointed vice-president, obtained 68,451 votes compared to Saifuddin’s 48,223.

The PKR elections ended last Saturday, after witnessing re-voting in 12 divisions in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Selangor and Sabah.

The official announcement of the results will be made at PKR’s Congress on June 25 and 26.