PETALING JAYA: Questions are now hanging over whether incumbent deputy PKR president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli will officiate the party's Wanita and Youth National congress later this month.
On Sunday (May 18), PKR Youth chief Adam Adli reportedly confirmed receiving a copy of Rafizi’s letter to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim declining an invitation to officiate the wings' congress.
PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, when asked about Rafizi's attendance at the May 22 event, said, "it is not confirmed yet."
According to party sources, Rafizi sent a letter to Anwar Ibrahim declining to attend the party’s launching ceremony on May 22 in Johor Baru.
"We are trying to persuade him to attend the officiating ceremony. In the party, the tradition has been that the deputy president will officiate the Youth and Wanita congress. So, we are trying to continue that practice," said the source.
The formal letter, allegedly by Rafizi, stated, "Regretfully, I wish to inform you that I do not intend to accept this invitation."
There is also speculation that Rafizi's refusal to attend the PKR events in Johor on May 22 was due to Sabah PKR not inviting him for its election machinery launch in Kota Kinabalu on Saturday (May 17).
Meanwhile, another PKR source in Sabah said Rafizi's presence at another party election event at the International Technology and Commercial Centre (ITCC) in Penampang on Saturday (May 17) was well-received by local party members.
"It was quite a big turnout to his event on Saturday (May 17) and people came voluntarily," said the source.
The event, called "Jelajah Hiruk," was an initiative by Rafizi to meet with grassroots across the country as the PKR polls drew closer.
His opponent, Nurul Izzah, also spoke in Sabah during a party election machinery launch on Saturday (May 17), stating the importance of party unity.
"Our message is not just about elections. It is about staying consistent, building unity, and earning trust over time," she said.
It was reported that at least 21 of 25 PKR branches in Sabah are backing Nurul Izzah and Datuk Seri Amiruddin Shari, who will be going for PKR vice presidency.
The Youth and Wanita National congress will take place on May 22 before the main PKR national congress. The central PKR elections will take place on May 23.
