KUALA LUMPUR: Pressure is mounting on former PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli as state and division leaders across the country openly call for action to be taken against him, with some demanding his outright resignation.
In a series of statements, PKR leaders from Melaka, Sarawak, and Kelantan have condemned Rafizi’s recent public remarks, describing them as open attacks that tarnish the party's image and systematically undermine Prime Minister and PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
The leaders argued that while the party celebrates differences in opinion, Rafizi’s decision to air his grievances publicly has turned him into a "liability," providing political ammunition to the opposition.
Melaka PKR deputy chairman Mohd Khuzaire Mohd Kamal did not mince his words, stating that Rafizi's actions appeared to be a calculated attempt to weaken the party from within.
"The narrative he brings is not only confusing but triggers negative perceptions of the party leadership without solid grounds.
"This is no longer just a difference of opinion; it has crossed the line and carries major implications for the party's stability and the people's confidence.
"If he is no longer aligned with the party's struggles and principles, the most dignified action is to resign and step down honourably," Mohd Khuzaire said in a statement on Wednesday (April 1).
Echoing this sentiment, Sarawak PKR secretary Mahmud Epah described Rafizi as the "biggest liability to Reformasi" and urged the party to cleanse itself of "political parasites."
Mahmud said the space for democratic discourse within PKR has always been available, making Rafizi's choice of open confrontation a betrayal of the grassroots' trust.
"If Rafizi feels his principles are no longer aligned with the party's direction, or if he is more comfortable being an 'attacker' from within, it would be more dignified for him to immediately leave PKR.
"We do not need leaders who are a liability and a burden to the party's survival. Is his intention to divide the party?" Mahmud asked, adding that no individual is bigger than the party.
Meanwhile, the Kota Baru PKR division also urged the party central leadership to take firm and prudent action to address the matter, stressing that internal disputes must be resolved through proper channels.
Kota Baru PKR division chief Abu Hamid Muhammad Abu Samah said bringing internal issues to the public sphere only invites negative perceptions that can be manipulated by political rivals.
"In the current political situation, the stability and integrity of the party are paramount to ensuring the reform agenda can continue to be implemented effectively.
"The dignity and integrity of the party must be preserved. We urge all leaders to avoid polemics that are detrimental to both the party and the country," he said, reaffirming the division's solid backing for Anwar’s leadership.
The statements by PKR state leaders come in the wake of escalating tensions between Rafizi and the party’s top leadership which culminated in a series of explosive public allegations made by the former Economy Minister in March.
Rafizi had also recently claimed the existence of a “corporate mafia” operating within the country’s political and corporate spheres.
Last month, Rafizi said he would remain as a PKR member until the Parliament is dissolved after he was given a show-cause letter by the party’s leadership.
The show-cause letter came after Rafizi remarked that he intends to contest the 16th general election but not under PKR’s ticket.
