KUALA LUMPUR – Former Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli has expressed relief at returning to private life following his defeat in the party’s deputy president election, while affirming his commitment to continue fighting for his political beliefs.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Rafizi thanked the many supporters who reached out with messages of encouragement and prayers. “I was deeply moved when several young party members cried as I left the hall, pleading with me not to leave PKR,” he shared.
Despite the setback, he made clear he has no plans to abandon the ideals that have driven his political journey.
“I have no intention of giving up or abandoning the ideals we’ve upheld all this while, that Malaysia deserves something better,” he said.
Rafizi, who also serves as Economy Minister and Pandan MP, acknowledged the disappointment among grassroots members following the election results and urged them to maintain hope.
“I understand the despair among many PKR members and supporters. It will take time to recover from the feeling that years of effort and dedication to PKR’s ideals have gone to waste,” he noted.
He admitted feeling some personal disillusionment but welcomed the chance to step away from the pressures of political power.
“Honestly, I am not too disappointed. In fact, I feel relieved because I can finally return to private life, away from the antics and whims of power,” he said.
The election, held at the PKR National Congress in Johor Bahru, saw Nurul Izzah Anwar, former Permatang Pauh MP and incumbent PKR vice-president, win the deputy presidency with 9,803 votes, decisively defeating Rafizi who received 3,866 votes.
Rafizi reflected on nearly three decades dedicated to the party’s cause, from leading the International Campaign to Free Anwar to holding leadership roles in PKR’s youth wing and authoring a book on Anwar Ibrahim’s trial. Yet despite the loss, his resolve remains unshaken.
The congress also brought changes in other key party leadership positions, including the defeat of incumbent vice-president and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad.
The official announcement of the election results was made by the PKR Central Election Committee chairperson, Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa, at the Persada Johor International Convention Centre on Friday. – May 24, 2025