Rafizi Ramli returns to politics, to run for PKR deputy president

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Pandan MP, Mohd Rafizi Ramli has announced his decision to return to politics and confirmed he would be contesting for Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president post in the coming party election.

He said the decision was made over the latest political development in the country and described the progressive political practice of various races is in danger if PKR and Pakatan Harapan (PH) continues as the third party for failing to win over fence sitting voters.

"I have joined PKR since 1999 as I was confident with the future of Malaysia which is progressive, multi-racial with the image of diversity.

"My contribution in setting up PH in 2015 was not solely to win election as I was determined to ensure the progressive politics of various races in the country is defended then," he said in a Facebook post today.

Mohd Rafizi who was the former PKR vice-president before deciding to leave politics in December 2019, said he continued to receive calls from PKR and PH supporters as well as ordinary people to return to the political arena.

He said he took a long time to make the decision as he was not confident he could help especially when his views were deemed as coming from the minority in the eyes of PKR and PH leadership.

He said after the Johor state election, he became aware that PKR and PH have been rejected by the people so much so it has dropped to become the third coalition after UMNO, Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional (PN).

"I find the frenzy in garnering support at the top level, led PKR and PH to be separated and aloft from the voices of the people. If PKR and PH wish to gain the people's heart, it should return to the struggle to improve the people's daily lives.

"It is not only pointing fingers, we need to bring sensible solutions to gain the confidence of the people that they better off in choosing PKR and PH.

"The effort to please the people is more tedious than discussing at the negotiation table at an expensive restaurant on political coalition. That is why I understand why it is easier to choose the route of coalition politics than winning the hearts of the people , he said.

PKR will be holding its party election for the 2022 - 2025 term from May 13 to 18.

-- BERNAMA