SERDANG: Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has reminded Nurul Izzah Anwar to be prepared to become a “war commander” if she is elected as PKR‘s deputy president in the party election later this month.
The Pandan member of Parliament said the responsibility must be carried out effectively, and to sustain grassroots support, Nurul Izzah must also be ready to confront her opponents.
“If Nurul Izzah becomes deputy president, she must take over my role as the party’s war commander— confronting blind loyalists, exposing issues like the littoral combat ship (LCS) scandal, acting as a party negotiator, and holding talks with Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional.
“Regardless of who is elected to the post, it’s not just about what’s offered, but how the role is executed and driven.
“Even with the best offers, if there’s no effective strategy to ignite energy and enthusiasm on the ground, nothing will come of it,” he said during the Yang Bakar Menteri podcast here today.
He was believed to be referring to Nurul Izzah’s primary mission if elected — focusing on working closely with party members, supporters and volunteers, particularly in the 50 marginal seats in preparation for the 16th General Election (GE16).
However, Rafizi said contesting in party elections is a right for all, and that Nurul Izzah has strong justifications for her candidacy — which must be respected, as every member has contributed to the party.
“My only concern is with those in the party who are ‘more spoon than soup’ (overstepping their boundaries) — those who stir up unnecessary polemics both within and outside the party.
“I worry about public perception, because regardless of the arguments we make, the ultimate judges are not the party delegates, but the voters and God.”
He added that Izzah, the eldest daughter of Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, cannot avoid the issue of nepotism as she bids for the party’s number two post.
However, Rafizi, who is currently PKR‘s deputy president, believes that Nurul Izzah has her own valid reasons for contesting the party’s second-highest position.
“When Izzah contests the deputy president’s seat, the party cannot escape the issue of nepotism. Everyone will have their own arguments.
“It’s up to Nurul Izzah to make her case. I have no intention of prolonging the matter, but I am concerned about public perception,” he said.
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
