PUTRAJAYA: An "Anwar-Rafizi" combination is what PKR needs right now, says Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The PKR vice-president said that although PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and his deputy Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli differed in terms of personalities and opinions, both were needed to ensure the party's survival.
"I think this is the leadership I want to see.
"If it's just one-dimensional, it (the party) won't go far," he said during an interview on Friday (May 16).
He described Anwar as a very experienced leader who managed to bring about tangible reforms, including getting others to work together under the Madani administration.
On the other hand, he said that Rafizi, who is seen as direct with his views, managed to help the party weather through its darkest times in the polls.
"In the last state election, where we lost badly in all the states and was almost wiped out in Johor.
"He (Rafizi) went down to and ensured that Johor provided most Parliamentary seats for the party," he said.
He said that he had full respect for Anwar's daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar, who will be challenging Rafizi for the post of deputy president.
"My friendship with her is almost as long as with Rafiz, which spans 20 years.
"But I think the timing at the moment is what we want is an Anwar-Rafizi combination," he said.
Nik Nazmi was asked about the possibility of changes in the party's leadership following the upcoming PKR central leadership polls.
Some 20,000 delegates are expected to cast their ballots online, while 9,000 will be doing so physically.
The PKR national congress will take place from May 22 to 24 in Johor Baru.
PKR national election for the 2025-2028 term will see a crowded race with 251 candidates vying for various party leadership posts.
Nik Nazmi will be among four other incumbents who will be defending the vice-president posts in a 12-cornered fight.
Meanwhile, Nik Nazmi said that it was the sole prerogative of Anwar, both as Prime Minister and PKR president, to consider a Cabinet reshuffle following the outcome of the party polls.
"That is purely the prerogative of the Prime Minister.
"We are there as Cabinet ministers based on whom he wants to appoint to the Cabinet.
"If it involves other party members, then he will have to consult with the leadership of the other parties.
"But if it is only PKR, then it is fully within his control," he said.
He said Anwar will have to decide what is best after taking into account all factors before making a decision.
