SHAH ALAM – Despite holding two different opinions regarding PKR’s direction when it comes to the upcoming general election, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said that his newly elected deputy Rafizi Ramli’s assurances during the latter’s winding-up speech at the party’s national congress was a “Panadol” to his “headaches”.
The party president said he believed in Rafizi’s skills and passion to drive change in PKR despite the perception of controversy that dogs the former Pandan MP among some party members.
“Rafizi’s speech is like a Panadol to my headaches,” Anwar said in jest.
“Rafizi and I go way back. I believe in him, as people who are hardworking and smart often have a lot to say that is deemed offensive.
“But I am not offended, but sometimes there are thick-headed supporters,” Anwar said to a laughing crowd.
In Rafizi’s winding-up speech, he assured that while he is often outspoken, he will not betray the party like its former deputy president, Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
Azmin had previously left the party along with 11 other PKR elected parliamentarians during the infamous Sheraton Move in 2020 that led to the collapse of the Pakatan Harapan administration.
With the conclusion of the party polls and their annual congress, Anwar also compelled members to focus their efforts on defeating “the corrupt and the inept”, without directly addressing their political rivals.
Similarly, Anwar also lambasted underperforming party divisions who did not manage to streamline the party machinery at the local level.
“It is appalling that some of these divisions cannot even muster 60 people to handle the necessary groundwork.
“Despite PKR being a multiracial party, some divisions only have machinery that only represents a single race. Yes, Malays may be the majority in the party but this attitude will bring about disaster,” he said.
Anwar then warned PKR members, especially those who were already elected, that he will not hesitate to axe them as candidates in the coming election if they do not solve this major issue.
This follows the party’s string of disastrous election defeats since 2018 and even after the change of government in 2020.
As a general election looms, Anwar, who is also the opposition leader, cautioned party members not to be complacent and to refocus their efforts in aiding the people. – The Vibes, July 17, 2022
