Emotional Saifuddin fears PKR may lose Rafizi
Published on: Sat, May 24, 2025
By: Elill Easwaran, Mohamad Fadli, FMT Text Size: Saifuddin Nasution Ismail spoke at the PKR national congress in his capacity as Pakatan Harapan secretary-general. JOHOR BAHRU: Former PKR secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail was close to tears as he recalled the moments following the announcement of the party leadership elections result yesterday, which saw Rafizi Ramli losing the race for deputy president to Nurul Izzah Anwar. Speaking at the party'a national congress here, Saifuddin said he chose to accompany Rafizi out of the hall while others were celebrating their victory last night. 'I walked him to his car. We embraced, exchanged apologies, and in that moment, I admitted that I feared losing him from our party,' he said, his voice breaking with emotion. Saifuddin, who was speaking in his capacity as Pakatan Harapan secretary-general, said he had mixed feelings about the outcome of PKR's central leadership polls yesterday. 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. Rafizi was notably absent from the final day of the party's national congress today, with his press secretary, Farhan Iqbal, confirming that he had returned to Kuala Lumpur.
Advertisement Saifuddin said party president Anwar Ibrahim had the heavy duty of mending the ties that may have been broken during the party elections. 'There are those who attended Rafizi's 'Hiruk' campaign tour, and others who attended Nurul Izzah's 'Damai' tour. Anwar is not just a father to Nurul Izzah, but a father figure to all of you,' he added. Rafizi in a statement today expressed gratitude to his supporters and relief at stepping away from power following his defeat in the race for the deputy presidency. He said he would not dwell on the results of the polls, adding that he had been very transparent and vocal in sharing his concerns on numerous issues revolving around PKR's elections. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Express
an hour ago
- Daily Express
Defence counsel explains his role
Published on: Thursday, August 21, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 21, 2025 By: Sherell Jeffrey Text Size: Ram (centre) with other defence counsels. Kota Kinabalu: The defence counsel Datuk Ram Singh believed representing one of the main accused charged in Zara Qairina Mahathir's case because he was interested in 'uncovering the truth'. 'We want to seek the truth. I always say, children are defenceless,' he said, responding to netizens surprise as to why he was suddenly acting believed for the main accused in the case which has gripped the nation for about a month now. Advertisement Ram Singh who leads a three-member defence team that includes Joan Goh and Elmer Prem Gunasan is doing it on pro bono. He has since obtained a gag order under Section 15 of the Child Act to protect the children involved in the proceedings. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
PKR sec-gen to be consulted on objection letter
PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said he would consult PKR secretary-general Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh on Umno's letter objecting to the admission of its former members into other parties within the unity government. 'We received the letter some time ago. I will check with the secretary-general,' he said after attending the Finance Ministry's monthly assembly yesterday. On Aug 17, PKR information chief Datuk Fahmi Fadzil confirmed receipt of the letter, adding that the party's central leadership council was expected to deliberate on it by the end of the month. The objection came in the wake of Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz confirming his membership in PKR last week after leaving Umno. Umno secretary-general Datuk Dr Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki was reported as saying that the letter was a symbolic protest, warning that such moves could strain ties within the fragile ruling coalition. The controversy erupted after Tengku Zafrul, who quit Umno in May and relinquished his posts as Kota Raja division chief and supreme council member, announced his membership in PKR's Ampang division. His application was formally accepted by the PKR leadership last month. Several Umno leaders had previously urged PKR not to admit the former finance minister, arguing that it would undermine trust among coalition partners. Earlier, in his address at the assembly, Anwar defended the appointment of Datuk M. Kumar as Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director, stressing that it is not a racial issue but one based on merit and the individual's ability to shoulder responsibility. 'There were even criticisms in Parliament, with some opposition MPs questioning how nearly 90% of personnel in the police's criminal division are Malays. 'Their chief is Kumar, an Indian. Whoever is capable should be given the space. The IGP is Malay, the deputy IGP is Malay and most of the directors are Malay. To me, this is not an issue.'
Free Malaysia Today
9 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
71 rat trails in Sarawak bordering Kalimantan found, says home minister
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the government has approved RM28 million to develop seven more security posts along the Sarawak-Kalimantan border, including in hotspots in Lubok Antu and Ba'kelalan. (Bernama pic) KUALA LUMPUR : The home ministry has identified 71 illegal routes and smuggling trails along Sarawak's border with Kalimantan, said its minister, Saifuddin Nasution Ismail. Saifuddin said the government has approved RM28 million to develop seven additional security posts, including in hotspots in Lubok Antu and Ba'kelalan. Winding up the debate on the 13th Malaysia Plan for his ministry in the Dewan Rakyat today, he said an additional RM64 million had been allocated for 22 projects along the border, covering both physical and non-physical projects involving the police, the immigration department and border agencies. He also said another 390 senior and lower-ranking police officers would be stationed to protect the border. Illegal gambling centres disguised as coffee shops Saifuddin also addressed the increase in illegal gambling operations, often disguised as coffee shops, in Sarawak. He said the authorities carried out 509 raids across Sarawak, resulting in 535 arrests, from January to July. 'We will continue to take action including under the Anti-Money Laundering, Anti-Terrorism Financing and Proceeds of Unlawful Activities Act 2001, and the Prevention of Crime Act 1959. 'We also cooperate with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission and Sarawak Energy Bhd when we cut power and water supply to them. We will review the laws to see if they need to be strengthened. 'We can take down their websites in split seconds, but they can immediately create mirror websites,' he said.
