KUALA LUMPUR – PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli’s recent statement that party leaders who lose in internal elections should not hold ministerial positions has triggered a wave of anger and disappointment among party grassroots and political observers nationwide.
Rafizi reportedly declared that if he fails to defend his position as PKR Deputy President in the upcoming party election, he is ready to resign from his Cabinet post, as he believes that without holding a party position, one is not fit to serve in government.
However, this remark is being slammed as irresponsible and childish by many, including fellow PKR members, who view it as a subtle threat and a politically immature form of pressure.
“If that’s the logic, then does every minister have to first win a party post before they can serve the nation? Does Rafizi think the Cabinet is his personal political playground?” asked a PKR branch leader who wished to remain anonymous.
Many see this as a sympathy-seeking tactic aimed at influencing internal voters, but it may backfire and further divide the party’s already fragile unity.
Adding fuel to the fire, party grassroots are drawing comparisons between this statement and Rafizi’s much-hyped “economic formula,” which critics say failed to deliver significant impact despite being heavily promoted.
“Rafizi’s second wave of economic strategies has clearly failed to resonate with the people or party members. Now, he’s introducing a new formula – ‘lose the party, quit as minister’. The people and grassroots aren’t stupid,” said a senior political analyst.
Grassroots members also voiced frustration over being treated as if they are immature or easily swayed by empty rhetoric.
Rafizi shocked many by announcing his return to contest the deputy presidency after a period of political silence. But his current attitude and tactics are raising more questions than confidence.
Is this a genuine stand for integrity or simply a tactical maneuver to retain power? And if he truly loses, will Rafizi actually step down, or is this just psychological warfare ahead of the party polls?
One thing is clear – such rhetoric threatens to deepen the rifts within PKR at a time when the party should be focused on rebuilding public trust, not fueling internal drama.