Rafizi supporters unlikely to quit, boycott PKR, say analysts

Free Malaysia Today

27-05-2025

New PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar must prove she is at least as capable as ousted party number two Rafizi Ramli in terms of competence and leadership, says Hisommudin Bakar.
PETALING JAYA : Political analysts say Rafizi Ramli and his supporters are unlikely to quit or boycott PKR despite his defeat in the race for the party's deputy presidency last week.
Hisommudin Bakar and Azmi Hassan said that while some of Rafizi's staunchest supporters may turn into passive members, their numbers are unlikely to be so large as to affect the party's preparations for the next general election (GE16).
Azmi, of Akademi Nusantara, discounted the possibility of the Pandan MP leaving the party altogether, saying PKR was most suited to Rafizi's political style.
He also said Rafizi cannot afford to make the mistake of leading an exodus of members out of PKR despite his loss to Nurul Izzah Anwar, as it would likely damage his political prospects.
'Leaving the party would leave Rafizi adrift and directionless, not unlike Khairy after he was ejected by Umno,' he told FMT.
Although Nurul Izzah has appealed for all PKR members, including Rafizi's supporters, to close ranks following the recent polls, Azmi believes Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is the person best placed to deal with the matter.
He said only Saifuddin could convince Rafizi and his supporters to throw their weight behind the new leadership.
'Nurul Izzah doesn't have the aura or influence to persuade Rafizi. Even the party president himself wouldn't be able to do that. The right man is Saifuddin because he is the most neutral.'
In a Facebook post yesterday, Nurul Izzah urged all PKR members to close ranks and build up the party, irrespective of who they voted for.
She said, as PKR deputy president, the responsibility to shore up support for the party fell on her shoulders, especially since prime minister and party president Anwar Ibrahim's full focus was on leading the country.
Hisommudin, Ilham Centre's executive director, said Nurul Izzah's statement was a necessary step towards reconciliation within PKR after a rather heated internal election.
He said the PKR leadership must make an honest evaluation of the extent of the party's loss of support, particularly among its previously loyal supporters.
Hisommudin said PKR must also establish a constructive narrative to manage negative perceptions against the party, especially claims of nepotism.
To that end, he said Nurul Izzah must demonstrate that she is at least as capable as Rafizi—if not superior—in terms of competence and leadership.
'She will only be able to silence her critics by displaying an impeccable reputation.
'Nurul Izzah must show herself to be deserving of her position as deputy president, and that she did not win the post simply because she is Anwar's daughter,' he said.