PETALING JAYA, May 17:
PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli’s recent statements have raised eyebrows among grassroots members and political observers alike, as he appears to shift his attention towards figures like Ramanan Ramakrishnan in the lead-up to the party elections—elections he initially opposed.
Rafizi revealed that PKR’s political bureau had previously agreed not to hold party elections this year, opting instead to focus on public governance and preparations for the next general election (GE16). The goal, according to Rafizi, was to secure a second term for party president and Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and only then initiate internal polls.
“We didn’t want party polls this year,” he stated at a campaign event in Terengganu. “Our performance is good, the rakyat is responding positively, especially among Malay voters. Why risk that progress now?”
However, the party reversed its stance, citing the need to introduce “new talent.” Rafizi explicitly named Ramanan Ramakrishnan, who is now vying for a vice-president post, and Kamil Abdul Munim, who has already secured the PKR Youth chief position uncontested.
This shift has sparked criticism. Critics question the sudden elevation of Ramanan, who has no direct links to the PKR struggle or the internal dynamics of party leadership prior to this election cycle. Previously associated with MIC, Ramanan’s rapid political ascent within PKR has led to suspicions of internal lobbying and strategic placements rather than organic party growth.
“Why Ramanan? Why now? If he had nothing to do with MIC as claimed, what exactly qualifies him to be fast-tracked into PKR’s vice-presidency?” asked a senior PKR activist who requested anonymity.
Rafizi, who once championed institutional reform and internal discipline, now finds himself defending a decision that appears to contradict his earlier stance. He acknowledged that the change had “opened the floodgates to opportunism” and directly led to internal turbulence, including factional rivalries between camps dubbed ‘HIRUK’ and ‘DAMAI’.
Observers are now questioning whether this shift reflects strategic miscalculation or a deeper realignment within PKR—one that prioritises political expediency over stability and grassroots meritocracy.
Party members are set to vote for the central leadership next Friday, and the outcome could define the trajectory of PKR not just in the run-up to GE16, but for years to come.