PKR polls: Rafizi’s win is sign that Anwar’s is losing influence, UMNO says
RAFIZI RAMLI’s victory as the new PKR deputy president shows that party supremo Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is losing his influence within the party, said UMNO.
“Rafizi’s massive win is surprising. It looks like PKR members are rejecting Anwar and he is losing his clout internally and externally.
“Perhaps, this may even pressure him to retire from politics,” its supreme council member Datuk Puad Zarkashi opined.
Yesterday, Malaysiakini reported that as of 8:30pm, Rafizi has garnered 67,895 votes for the PKR deputy presidency. His rival, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail garnered 48,797 votes.
The lead of 19,098 votes is unmatchable, given the number of votes in Sarawak – the last state which has yet to be announced – may not be enough to bridge the gap.
Saifuddin, who is speculated to be favoured by Anwar, had magnanimously conceded defeat and congratulated Rafizi for his victory.
“Even though the results are not yet official, I would like to convey my congratulations to Rafizi, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Chang Lih Kang and other winners.
“My attitude is simple, respect the decision made by the party members. It is the democratic practice for there to be those who are elected and those who are not. Do not spoil our camaraderie,” the former minister was reported as saying.
Rafizi, a “spin doctor”
Touching on the matter, Puad said that it is time Anwar realised that he is no longer the party’s “poster boy” or the Prime Minister’s candidate, given that many of his allies got defeated at the divisional levels.
Training his guns against Rafizi, the Johor state assembly speaker said that while loyal Saifuddin was a man of substance, PKR members had voted for a “spin doctor” to lead them instead.
“In essence, the Anwar-Rafizi combo will ensure PKR remains a party full of rhetoric. Both are experts when it comes to creating perceptions.
“Both are made for one another but that doesn’t mean PKR will continue championing reforms,” Puad mentioned. – May 30, 2022
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