PKR remains united despite Rafizi's actions, says leader
Selangor PKR strategic director Saifuddin Shafi (left) advised PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli to prioritise 'offer-based' campaigning over misleading rhetoric.
PETALING JAYA : A PKR central leadership council candidate says the party remains united despite deputy president Rafizi Ramli's decision to skip the upcoming PKR Youth and Wanita congress.
Selangor PKR strategic director Saifuddin Shafi said Rafizi's decision has fuelled rhetoric in the media that the party is divided and on the verge of collapse.
'In reality, that is not the case,' he said in a statement today.
Saifuddin advised Rafizi to prioritise 'offer-based' campaigning over misleading rhetoric.
The PKR Youth and Wanita wings will have their congress on May 22, with the opening ceremonies held the night before.
The party's central leadership election is scheduled for May 23, followed by the national congress opening on May 24.
Yesterday, Rafizi confirmed that he would be skipping the Youth and Wanita congress, traditionally opened by the deputy president, citing principles over politics.
He said his refusal stemmed from a breach of party protocol after the Sabah PKR election machinery launch was allegedly announced without prior discussion by the party's political bureau or central leadership council.
Rafizi had reportedly sent a letter to PKR president Anwar Ibrahim informing him of his decision not to accept an invitation to officiate the Youth and Wanita congress.
He said the letter was addressed to only Anwar and PKR secretary-general Fuziah Salleh, and asked how it had been leaked.
PKR Youth chief Adam Adli confirmed yesterday that the wing had received a copy of Rafizi's letter to Anwar, in which he declined the invitation despite initially agreeing.
A copy of the letter, which has been circulating on social media, showed that it was also copied to Wanita PKR chief Fadhlina Sidek.
Fuziah told FMT she and Anwar were not the only ones to receive Rafizi's letter.
Saifuddin said differences in opinion among members are normal, and claims that the party is being dragged towards downfall are 'extraordinary and baseless'.
'I believe the letter (to Anwar) was later shared through certain channels as a general announcement of his absence, and from there, it became public discussion.
'I feel it is unfair for this matter to be turned into campaign material for the party election,' he said.
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