There's much bad blood in Azmin-Rafizi fight for PKR No. 2

Mohd Farhan Darwis Mohd Farhan Darwis Updated 7 years ago · Published on 13 Aug 2018 7:00AM · 4 Comments

Fauziah Salleh, Akmal Nasir, moderator Syed Badli Shah, Rafizi Ramli and S. Kesavan from Team Rafizi at a #reformasi20tahun event in Johor Baru last week. – The Malaysian Insight pic by Hasnoor Hussain, August 13, 2018.

THE fight for the PKR deputy presidency between Rafizi Ramli and incumbent Azmin Ali is turning ugly with votes and unity split, said party members.

Supporters of outgoing vice-president Rafizi and Azmin have formed teams to woo 800,000 members who are eligible to vote in the three-week elections from mid-September.

A The Malaysian Insight straw poll in Johor, Negri Sembilan and Malacca shows that Rafizi’s “20 years of reform” tagline has a deep resonance among members.

“The split is terrible. In Johor, everyone has his own choice and opinion about the two candidates,” said a Youth exco candidate, who declined to be named.

Omar Jamal, 54, a Rembau division exco candidate, agrees. But he said any camp which mounts an effective campaign will garner support.

Ahmad, a member from the Hang Tuah Jaya branch, however, hopes that the winners from whichever camp will heal the rift after the elections.

Not all contestants from the same camp will win all the posts and whether they like it or not, will need to work with the losers, he said.

A bit of competition is also good for the party, he said.

Loggerheads

Many of Rafizi’s supporters said the former Pandan MP is closer to the grassroots while Azmin, the former Selangor menteri besar, is seen as more aloof.

“Rafizi did the ground work and went all over the country. His opponent is less approachable and follows protocol,” said Omar.

PKR Rembau division chief Yusof Tapar, 70, said Azmin’s team reminded him of the politics in Umno, where he was a member in the 1980s.

“If Azmin’s people dare not see me, it’s not because of me, it’s because of them.

“Rafizi’s grassroots support is also strong. If we win, the victory is sweet and it’s not like we benefit financially,” said Yusof, who led the division for two decades.

He also accused Azmin’s team of having a financial stranglehold on the party. – August 13, 2018.

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Comments

  • Rafizi on board?..

    Posted 7 years ago by MELVILLE JAYATHISSA · Reply

  • Take lesson from MCA and not repeat the same mistake. Their downfall begin when they are too engage with party infighting.

    Posted 7 years ago by Lee Yih Ven · Reply

  • It seems this Moron and others like him want to curry Favour with Anwar. Don't rock the PH boat. Many of us voted out BN but we didnt vote for Anwar to be the PM because there are a lot of talented PH leaders who can lead better but we still can give Anwar a chance.

    Posted 7 years ago by Mamat Salleh · Reply

  • Rafizi is deceitful .beware of such back stabbing movement which is cancerous if continue.i hope he fails

    Posted 7 years ago by Wee Tuan Hock · Reply