PKR Deputy President Rafizi Ramli has urged party leaders and elected representatives appointed to positions in the federal and state governments not to neglect their roles in the party.

The Pandan MP said he understands the responsibilities of being in the government, but leaders must realise that if not for the party, its members and the machinery, they would not have won the election and be given positions in government.

He said elected representatives and leaders who are appointed as ministers, deputy ministers and political secretaries need to divide their time wisely, and the same needs to be done by those who hold positions in the state government.

“Sometimes we get carried away with the official affairs (of the ministry) alone. We work in the ministry or the state government from 8am to 6pm. However, we still have time, from 6pm to 12 midnight daily, and there is still time on Saturdays and Sundays for the party and the people,” he said at the Kedah and Penang PKR Election Convention last night.

Rafizi, who is also economy minister, said those who are appointed to positions in the government should maintain a conduct similar to when the party was in the opposition, that they should continue to engage with the people.

“If all of a sudden, now that we have posts in state and federal governments, and our (personal style) changes, that’s the end of us.”

He reminded party members who intend to contest as a candidate in the state elections to think about a suitable way to reach out to the people. – Bernama, January 15, 2023.