[UPDATED] Rafizi to run for PKR deputy president, says PH agrees to discuss collab with PN

KUALA LUMPUR – PKR’s Rafizi Ramli will rejoin active politics by vying to be deputy president in the coming party polls.

He today alleged that the Pakatan Harapan presidential council has agreed to discuss with the Bersatu-led Perikatan Nasional the possibility of working together to face the next general election.

In a statement on his personal website, Rafizi said the loss in Johor marked the fourth for the party and PH – Sabah in 2020, and Melaka and Sarawak last year. 

“Every time PKR and PH lose, apart from throwing blame among themselves, there has yet to be a different strategy to regain public support. Among the oft-repeated strategy is the ‘big tent’ approach used to unite all parties running against Umno/Barisan Nasional. 

“I was informed that the PH presidential council has agreed to take the approach of discussing with PN the possibility of working together for GE15.”

In a statement on his personal website, Rafizi said the loss in Johor marked the fourth for the party and PH – Sabah in 2020, and Melaka and Sarawak last year. 

“Every time PKR and PH lose, apart from blaming each other, there has yet to be a different strategy to regain public support. 

“Among the oft-repeated strategy is the ‘big tent’ approach that is used to unite all parties running against Umno/Barisan Nasional. 

“I was informed that the PH presidential council has agreed to take the approach of discussing with Perikatan Nasional on the possibility of working for the general election (GE15).”

He added that although there have not been signs that the “big tent” approach has borne fruit, it remains one of PH’s strategies by its leadership as if the coalition has run out of ideas to win back the public.

However, he said, for voters on the fence, the political squabbles only revolved around power distribution among the leaders as shown by the events following the 2018 general election. 

“For the public, their lives have not changed with any of the coalitions in power, and that the only changes were who became ministers and got the special treatment that came with the positions.

“That is why Umno/BN can win in style, although voter support remains unchanged since 2018. Many voters feel that PKR and PH are no different from Umno/BN or PN, and many are having political fatigue.” 

He said since 2019, he is against the “craze” of forming coalitions with anyone just to gain power, without taking into account public sentiment.

“My view is in the minority among the PKR/PH leadership. Hence, I took a long time to make my decision to rejoin politics.” – The Vibes, March 15, 2022