Resolve party issues internally, not through public spats - Sim tells Rafizi
Published: May 20, 2025 11:16 AM
Updated: 1:31 PM
Summary
- Rafizi Ramli’s aggressive campaign style does not sit well with Sim Tze Tzin.
- The PKR veep hopeful warns that airing internal issues publicly risks damaging the party.
- Sim contrasts Rafizi’s combative approach with Nurul Izzah Anwar’s calmer stance.
Incumbent PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s seemingly aggressive tone in his bid to defend his post has been criticised by a fellow party member for potentially causing more harm than necessary.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin, one of 11 candidates vying for the four PKR vice-presidency positions, said Rafizi’s campaign strategy thus far has sparked negative perceptions, particularly due to the economy minister publicly airing the party’s internal affairs.
Describing Rafizi’s tactic of attacking his rivals as “inappropriate”, Sim (above, left) instead urged the Pandan MP to resolve party-related matters internally and in a respectful manner, akin to settling disputes within a family.
“In my view, Rafizi’s aggressive campaign style may not sit well with many members (as) this party is like a family. Even if there are disagreements, they should be resolved within (the party).
“When (such issues) are publicised, it invites negative reactions,” Berita Harian quoted Sim as saying last night.
PKR incumbent deputy president Rafizi Ramli during his campaign
However, Sim opined that with the PKR election looming ever closer, Rafizi is unlikely to soften his approach. Instead, he anticipated that the incumbent party deputy president would maintain an offensive stance.
Nurul Izzah’s calmer stance
Sim contrasted Rafizi with the latter’s sole contender for the deputy presidency, PKR appointed vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
“Nurul Izzah has taken a more peaceful approach. She doesn’t retaliate and just absorbs the attacks (against her).
“I hope my good friend and comrade Rafizi can return to the party’s core values. We joined this party to bring about change. In any struggle, there are ups and downs as well as plenty of challenges.
“If possible, let us come back together as a team,” he added.
However, Sim opined that with the PKR election looming ever closer, Rafizi is unlikely to soften his approach. Instead, he anticipated that the incumbent party deputy president would maintain an offensive stance.
Nurul Izzah’s calmer stance
Sim contrasted Rafizi with the latter’s sole contender for the deputy presidency, PKR appointed vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
“Nurul Izzah has taken a more peaceful approach. She doesn’t retaliate and just absorbs the attacks (against her).
“I hope my good friend and comrade Rafizi can return to the party’s core values. We joined this party to bring about change. In any struggle, there are ups and downs as well as plenty of challenges.
“If possible, let us come back together as a team,” he added.
PKR deputy president candidate Nurul Izzah Anwar
Last night, Nurul Izzah issued a stark warning that internal strife could lead to PKR’s collapse within five to 10 years, urging members to unite and prioritise the party’s survival in the next general election.
High-stakes contest
Much of the upcoming PKR election has been focused on the straight fight between Nurul Izzah, daughter of prime minister and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, and Rafizi, in a high-stakes contest that risks deepening divisions within the party and affecting the government administration.
Besides vowing to quit his ministerial post if he loses the election, Rafizi has not minced his words while on the campaign trail, opting to dole out criticisms to various PKR figures.
He has also broken tradition by refusing to officiate the party’s youth and women’s wing congresses, highlighting that the recent launch event for the Sabah PKR election machinery was announced without his knowledge, despite him being the party’s election director.
The PKR National Congress, including the PKR Youth and Women congresses, is set to take place from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru, with the national leadership election on May 23.
High-stakes contest
Much of the upcoming PKR election has been focused on the straight fight between Nurul Izzah, daughter of prime minister and PKR president Anwar Ibrahim, and Rafizi, in a high-stakes contest that risks deepening divisions within the party and affecting the government administration.
Besides vowing to quit his ministerial post if he loses the election, Rafizi has not minced his words while on the campaign trail, opting to dole out criticisms to various PKR figures.
He has also broken tradition by refusing to officiate the party’s youth and women’s wing congresses, highlighting that the recent launch event for the Sabah PKR election machinery was announced without his knowledge, despite him being the party’s election director.
The PKR National Congress, including the PKR Youth and Women congresses, is set to take place from May 22 to 24 in Johor Bahru, with the national leadership election on May 23.
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