THE atmosphere at the PKR National Congress today turned sombre when Pakatan Harapan Secretary-General, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, began tearing as he recalled the moments of Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli's defeat in the party's election.
In his speech to delegates, Saifuddin shared a touching moment, when he personally escorted Rafizi to his car after the official results were announced yesterday.
“I sent Rafizi off after the end of the election yesterday, we hugged and said good-bye,” he said in a tone that held back emotion.
Despite his sadness, Saifuddin expressed his concerns about the future of the party leadership because figures like Rafizi were no longer with them.
“I am afraid of losing a good leader like Rafizi,” he said emotionally recalling Rafizi’s defeat.
At that moment, the atmosphere in the hall turned silent.
He described Rafizi as not just a comrade-in-arms, but an asset who had contributed a lot to the reformation journey since the beginning of PKR's establishment.
Saifuddin's speech also reflected his deep respect and appreciation for Rafizi's commitment and sacrifice in building the strength of PKR and Pakatan Harapan as a whole.
Nurul Izzah garnered a total of 9,803 votes, or 71.7%, while Rafizi obtained 3,866 votes (28.3%) in the heated straight fight for the deputy presidency.
Saifuddin's speech also reflected his deep respect and appreciation for Rafizi's commitment and sacrifices in building the strength of PKR and Pakatan Harapan as a whole.
Saifuddin described his relationship with Rafizi was more like that of siblings.
"I consider us like siblings, there are many things I agree on, there are also things I disagree on. We respect each other's views.
"During the campaign, Rafizi said he could not accept it that the president gave those who are new to the party such an easy path to rise so fast, but I had a different opinion with Rafizi," he added. - May 24, 2025
