Saifuddin emotional over Rafizi's possible exit from PKR
JOHOR BARU: Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail teared up today as he spoke about his interaction with outgoing PKR deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli last night.
Recounting what happened after the announcement of PKR's Central Leadership Council (MPP) election results, Saifuddin became emotional when mentioning Rafizi's name.
"I hugged and apologised to Rafizi yesterday, crying and emotional. I admit that I am afraid of losing Rafizi from this party.
"I am speaking from the heart and truly hope this message reaches him," he said during his speech at the winding-up session of the PKR National Congress here.
Saifuddin, the former PKR secretary-general, also recalled his early days with Rafizi, when he was still with Umno.
"When I was the Umno Youth deputy chief, Rafizi was still studying in London and returned after 10 years.
"I welcomed Rafizi in Johor Baru when he returned, and we had a heart-to-heart discussion about his future before he chose to work with Petronas."
Saifuddin said he eventually appointed Rafizi as a speechwriter for fear of losing his talents.
"Now I am afraid of losing his talent and potential as a leader," he said.
In the run-up to the PKR polls, Rafizi, who is also the economy minister, pledged to resign from the cabinet if he failed to retain the PKR deputy presidency.
He lost the contest to Nurul Izzah Anwar in a straight fight.
Earlier today, Rafizi, the Pandan member of parliament, urged his supporters to remain calm and trust the party's democratic process.
Meanwhile, Saifuddin said that while there were many issues on which he agreed with Rafizi, there were also many on which they differed.
Separately, Saifuddin appealed to PKR president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to console leaders hurt by the outcome of the party polls.
"There will be those who are hurt. Datuk Seri (Anwar) is not only a father to Nurul Izzah, but a father to all of us.
"Please quickly console those who are hurt and have hard feelings, so that the party will continue to be strengthened ahead of the Sabah state election and the 16th General Election," he said.
He also offered some advice to Nurul Izzah, noting that there would be little time for rest after taking office.
"Nurul Izzah can go to Mecca and rest for a while, but after this, get organised and work with the party's vice-presidents first, because the Sabah state election is waiting.
"Reduce any clashes and infighting that weakens the party," he said.
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