[UPDATED] Respect not ‘bodek’, criticise but with manners: PKR’s Saifuddin

SHAH ALAM – Showing respect to party leaders should not be equated to brown-nosing (bodek), outgoing PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said in an apparent dig at newly elected deputy president Rafizi Ramli.

Saifuddin, during his winding-up speech at the PKR national congress here today, reiterated the importance of having some manners and moral principles when criticising party leaders.

This comes after Rafizi hit out at party members who appear bent on defending party boss Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on all matters. 

“Respect your leaders due to their age, experience, and sacrifices. Showing respect for your leaders is not ‘bodek’. It’s respect,” said Saifuddin at the Ideal Convention Centre here. 

He added that it is only normal to respect leaders who are older and more seasoned.

“I’m 59 and Anwar is 75. We respect leaders because they have also sacrificed for the party.” 

As he recalled attending a forum in Egypt with his party boss where Anwar was invited to deliver a speech, Saifuddin said he saw how the Pakatan Harapan chairman was respected.

‘Rafizi is like a younger brother’

In other developments, he also refuted claims that he and Rafizi are at loggerheads, saying he thinks of the latter as a younger brother.

“Rafizi and I are very close. I refuse to let the party election process smear our relationship. But if there are those who wish to fan the flames, go ahead. But it will not change my sayang (affection) for him. 

“The party polls have concluded and now Rafizi has big responsibilities. If we can unite, trust me, the upcoming general election will be ours.” – The Vibes, July 17, 2022