'Don't put words into my mouth,' says Saifuddin on PKR No 2 challenge

'Don't put words into my mouth,' says Saifuddin on PKR No 2 challenge

Published: Apr 22, 2025 12:44 PM
Updated: 2:44 PM


Summary

• Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail calls for an end to speculations that he will challenge incumbent PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli for the latter’s post.

• The former PKR secretary-general says he has yet to decide on the matter and will announce when he does.

Pakatan Harapan secretary-general Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has urged all quarters not to speculate that he would challenge incumbent Rafizi Ramli for the PKR deputy presidency in the party’s ongoing election.

This follows views by several analysts that Saifuddin may consider entering the fray following the defeat of many Rafizi-aligned figures across PKR’s 222 branches.

“If I’ve made a decision, I’d call a press conference… don’t put those words in my mouth (about considering to contest)… there are still two or three more steps to go,” he told reporters in Putrajaya today, after attending the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly.

The home minister said he recently held a closed-door meeting with Rafizi at the latter’s office to discuss their respective roles in strengthening the party.

PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli

“I’m aware there are views from some quarters saying it’s time for me to make an announcement on this matter.

“However, I’ve not decided yet whether I will contest or not,” added the former PKR secretary-general.

According to Saifuddin, the discussion with Rafizi was an open and honest one, and both were committed to working together to reinforce PKR’s leadership.

“Elections are a democratic process that cannot be extinguished in a reformist party like PKR,” he said.

Big names eliminated

Among Rafizi’s close allies who lost their respective contests were Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad and Deputy Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir - both by slim margins.

Saifuddin rejected any attempt to label factions within the party, stressing that there is no such thing as “Team Saifuddin” or “Team Rafizi”.

“We are all party people,” he said, echoing the stance of PKR president Anwar Ibrahim.

He also defended his track record and loyalty to the party, noting that he had served in senior roles for 14 years and had been involved with PKR since its early days.

“I was with other founding members building PKR from scratch without backing or influence. This party is a part of my life,” he said.

Saifuddin also reminded members unhappy with the grassroots results to voice their concerns through proper channels.

“The central leadership council will meet tomorrow, and that is the best platform to share your views,” he said.

On the defeat of several big names, Saifuddin said they would not be sidelined.

“As long as they continue to serve and remain loyal, there will always be space. In this party, I’ve lost more than I’ve won - but I’m still here,” he added.