SHAH ALAM: Rafizi Ramli has vowed to continue speaking out in the party, saying that while he may be outspoken, he will not betray the party the way former deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali did.
“I want to tell Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, that I might be outspoken, but I’m no Datuk Seri Azmin Ali,” said the PKR deputy president during his winding up speech at the PKR national congress on Sunday (July 17).
Rafizi’s remarks were well received by the crowd and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was also seen clapping.
Azmin led an exodus of 10 former PKR MPs in February 2020, in an event dubbed as the “Sheraton Move” that later saw the collapse of the former Pakatan Harapan government after merely 22 months.
Rafizi also said he and Anwar are close, as they knew each other since he was 17-years-old and his wedding ceremony was even held at the Port Dickson MP’s house.
“I want to take this opportunity to speak directly with the president so this will be witnessed by delegates and Malaysians who are watching,” he added.
Earlier, Rafizi said he was unfazed over remarks that his outspokenness could split the party.
“Since party polls in 2010, in my opinion, this party congress and party polls have shown the most unity among our members,” added Rafizi.
Rafizi also said PKR has to be a responsible party, that it could not forgo its principles just because it needs to ensure Anwar becomes the next prime minister.
“The people voted for us because they are confident with our path. But if we stray from our path, just like how they voted us in, they can vote us out too,” he said.
Meanwhile, Rafizi also said differences in opinion do not mean a split in the party.
“It means finding the best way, the best leadership so we can be more aggressive and creative after this.
“I know many people are uncomfortable with my ways because I’m a corporate man. If you don’t do work, I won’t give you a bonus,” said Rafizi.
On Saturday, Rafizi said leaders around Anwar should stop being “apple polishers” to the party president.
After Rafizi’s remarks on Saturday (July 16), Anwar responded, saying that he is unperturbed by Rafizi’s criticisms, but reminded the newly-elected deputy president to toe the party’s line.
On Friday (July 15), Rafizi also said a recent survey conducted by Invoke found that the Port Dickson MP’s popularity is waning.
PKR’s three-day national congress began on Friday (July 15) and ends on Sunday (July 17).
