'Vocal, brave' Rafizi capable of running PKR but will he get the support he needs?

SHAH ALAM - Experts say "vocal, brave and bold" Rafizi Ramli is capable of running the party but questioned if he will get the support from PKR members not aligned with him.

Political expert Oh Ei Sun said May 29 election results indicate party grassroots yearn for change, as the party under President Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership has seen lackluster in its electoral performance, and lacking in its vision.

“Rafizi is more than capable to replace Anwar, with both his star-like mage and his methodical approach to managing the elections. The main question remains, is that is Anwar willing to let go,” he told Sinar Daily.

He also said that it is difficult to see how Rafizi’s capabilities could be fully utilised for the party to win more seats.

“Rafizi is not favored by the Anwar's camp,” he added.

Political analyst Professor Kartini Aboo Talib said the PKR results show members want a vocal person to lead the party and Rafizi has the personality to do it.

“Rafizi is vocal, brave, and bold,” the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's (UKM's) professor told Sinar Daily.

She said PKR members wanted new leaders and ideas for party's survival after losing in four state elections - Sabah, Sarawak, Melaka and Johor.

“It is good to see a mix of young and mature leaders leading PKR,” she added.

Commenting further, she said Rafizi should have been groomed by Anwar as he was his loyal disciple from the beginning.

“He could carry the torch for years to come, and Anwar could be the party advisor although many would want to see Nurul Izzah Anwar to take over from her parents to lead PKR, Rafizi-Izzah could be the dynamic duo,” she added.

When asked whether the recent party election was transparent and fair, she said PKR holds the most transparent and reliable party election that includes fewer cases of money politics due to its one member, one vote, system.

“Of course, the results are fair and reflect what the majority of members want,” she said.

Unofficial results show Rafizi secured 68, 451 votes against Saifuddin's 48, 223 votes.