PKR’s Self-Sabotage? Sidelines Rafizi, Elevates GE Losers in a Bid to Refresh in Winning Future Elections

PKR’s Self-Sabotage? Sidelines Rafizi, Elevates GE Losers in a Bid to Refresh in Winning Future Elections


27 Jun 2025 • 9:00 AM MYT


Kpost
Operation Consultant who is a keen observer of politics and current affairs

Pic: Wong Chen (L) , Rafizi Ramli (R) / FocusMalaysia , MalaysiaToday


Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), once a reformist juggernaut, is now sparking internal concern and public criticism after its latest leadership reshuffle. The June 21, 2025 appointments, made by the party’s Political Bureau and Central Leadership Council, have sent shockwaves across its grassroots, not for the names included, but for those conspicuously excluded.


Source: https://focusmalaysia.my/pkr-picks-election-losers-for-ge-boost-sidelines-rafizi-wong-chen/


Datuk Dr Fuziah Salleh was reappointed Secretary-General, William Leong retained as Treasurer-General, and Datuk Fahmi Fadzil maintained his role as Information Chief. Most notably, Nurul Izzah Anwar and Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail were appointed as joint election directors, replacing Datuk Rafizi Ramli, who had resigned from cabinet following his loss in party polls. Saifuddin also gained a seat on the Political Bureau, while Datuk Mustapha Sakmud remained head of Sabah’s state leadership council.


However, what was intended to rejuvenate PKR ahead of the Sabah state election and a future general election has instead exposed the party’s internal cracks. Critics say the party is rewarding loyalty over performance, selecting figures like Nurul Izzah, Fuziah, and Saifuddin - all of whom lost in the last General Election - while sidelining proven campaign architects like Datuk Rafizi Ramli, Subang MP Wong Chen and campaign steering members.



Rafizi, known for his sharp data-driven campaign strategies and nationwide voter engagement, was largely credited for PKR’s past electoral gains. His absence from the new election leadership team raises questions about whether PKR is actively marginalising its most effective voices in favour of familial ties and safe names. Wong Chen, a respected lawmaker and policy mind, also finds himself out in the cold. Party unity appears increasingly fragile.


In Puchong, deputy chief Zubir Khan and 17 committee members filed a formal complaint with Fuziah Salleh, alleging that a recent division meeting was held without quorum and included unilateral appointments. Wanita chief Yusni Mat Yusof echoed these concerns, declaring the meeting “null and void” due to procedural breaches.


While the national leadership may project confidence, a storm is clearly brewing within PKR’s grassroots. On social media, Rafizi continues to command strong support, with many party members expressing frustration over his marginalisation. Recently, calls for Wong Chen to resign have intensified, hinting that internal vendettas may be influencing some of the reshuffle decisions. With all 222 PKR divisions set to hold meetings until July 15, the conflict in Puchong could be just the tip of the iceberg.



Meanwhile, the Selayang PKR Youth wing faces potential dissolution following a wave of resignations by its committee members in protest over last month’s divisional election results. Among those who stepped down were deputy chief Amir Sahmat, vice-chief Lee Fook Onn, and 12 out of 14 committee members - leaving the division in a state of deep uncertainty.


For a party built on ideals of reformasi and democratic renewal, sidelining reformists in favour of electoral losers risks turning PKR into political deadwood - unrooted from its original mission and adrift ahead of crucial elections.


In a time when trust in political institutions is waning, PKR's decision to bench its best performers could end up costing it not just seats but its soul.


By: Kpost