RAFIZI Ramli is not cut out for the post of deputy president if his lacklustre performance as party secretary-general is any indication of his abilities, said a contender for the post of PKR women’s wing chief, Haniza Talha.

One of Rafizi’s most glaring failures was the setting up of a members’ registration system, said Haniza.

“He once held the role of secretary-general. In that period, he failed to solve the problem of party membership registration,” Haniza told The Malaysian Insight.

“If as a secretary-general he could not fulfil that responsibility, I don’t think he can become a deputy president.

“Member registration is still a problem even now. There are members who have left but are still registered. Because there are many who come and go.”

Rafizi resigned as secretary-general in 2016, two years after taking over from Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

His resignation came after he was sentenced to 18 months’ jail after he was found him guilty of two charges under the Official Secrets Act (OSA).

For PKR’s coming party polls, Rafizi has mounted a strong challenge to deputy president Azmin Ali and naming his running mates under the banner of “20 years of reformasi”.

Haniza said Rafizi’s negative campaign stank of desperation for party positions.

“This is a crucial (party) election because it comes after we have won Selangor and the federal government. But for us, it’s not to that level.

“I’m unsure why (Rafizi) is standing for deputy, when he isn’t even holding any government position.

“Maybe he feels pressured to do something,” she said.

Haniza, who is campaigning under Azmin’s team, urged party members to choose their leaders wisely.

Party leaders must have a strong spirit of teamwork and show a willingness to give space to the younger generation and new faces to rise, she said.

“First and foremost, he must be a team player, work in a team. Can’t be a dictator or autocratic. After that, he must give other leaders a chance to rise up together.” – August 21, 2018.