A PARTNERSHIP between Anwar Ibrahim as PKR president and Rafizi Ramli as his deputy is ideal because both have a genuine desire for reform, said PKR vice-president candidate Johari Abdul.

Anwar has proven himself as a force of change while Rafizi is seen to be closer to the grassroots’ aspirations, he said.

“The people I see who truly embody the reform spirit are Anwar, who was jailed so he understands the need for reform, and Rafizi.

“Rafizi is not just an intelligent youth, what’s more important is that he understands the aspirations of grassroots members,” the Sungai Petani MP told The Malaysian Insight.

Johari was one of the pioneer members when the party was set up in 1998 after Anwar was sacked as deputy prime minister and jailed on corruption and sodomy charges.

He said Rafizi is the only match for Anwar.

“As a co-founder of Parti Keadilan Nasional, I could see even back then that he was an individual who could push for reform. What’s more, he is young. That’s why I think he and Anwar are a perfect pairing for the reform agenda,” said Johari, who is Rafizi’s running mate in the PKR polls.

Azmin and PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli are fighting for the party deputy presidency, with both sides trading barbs.

Rafizi’s camp has accused Azmin of treachery and betraying the party and Anwar, while Azmin’s side said Rafizi left the party and had only came back after the 2008 general election when Pakatan Rakyat had captured Selangor and PKR formed the state government.

Azmin, they said, has never abandoned the party and has instead been its faithful servant for 20 years.

At the PKR Perak meeting in Ipoh last week, Azmin, who is the incumbent party deputy president and the economic affairs minister, said it was unnecessary for him to campaign to defend his post as his track record was proof of his loyalty to the party and president elect Anwar. 

“Why do I need to campaign? I’ve been here for 20 years, you all know me well. You’ve been seeing my face for 20 years,” he said.

Johari, meanwhile, in pushing for the Anwar-Rafizi partnership, said beyond the party, the people would profit from having sincere leaders of calibre, adding that Rafizi has a lot of good ideas that could benefit the country.

“He has a double degree. He left a high-paying job in Petronas. He is humble and sincere in his struggle. He played the biggest role in putting forward good ideas, especially for the budget.

“From when we were in Barisan Alternatif to Pakatan Rakyat to Pakatan Harapan now, he has provided the data. He is really good,” said Johari.

Political analyst Dr Awang Azman Awang Pawi said while Rafizi’s campaign may affirm his commitment to the reformasi cause, Azmin is seen as a time-tested leader and a good administrative record who is loyal. 

“In this campaign, Rafizi tries to project himself as a pure reformasi leader, to defend idealism as a party leader who will ensure the party stays united, is stronger internally and has integrity.

“Azmin is seen as a tested leader in politics, who successfully completed his task as Selangor menteri besar and has now taken on the duties of economic affairs minister,” he said. –  September 3, 2018.