Don't listen to quacks, they never predicted Anwar to be PM -- Rafizi assuages PKR members

PUTRAJAYA - PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli dismisses concerns over critical analyses of the party, urging members not to be swayed by the opinions of analysts and academicians who often underestimate both the party and its president, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

Rafizi expressed his indifference to views on Anwar's popularity and the speculated collapse of the party, emphasizing that many of these opinions lack substantiation and should be taken with a "pinch of salt."

"In the past, critics labeled us as weak. For Malays, it's Pas (the strongest), and for non-Malays, it's DAP. If PKR, we were seen as on the fringes. Let's not forget that.

"So, when people claim we're unpopular or facing a downfall, I don't let it bother me, as we've faced much harsher criticisms," he asserted in his winding-up speech at PKR's 17th Annual Congress, here today.

On a positive note, Rafizi highlighted PKR's success in proving that a multi-racial party can govern the country, rejecting claims that such a party is incapable of winning.

Reflecting on PKR's challenges during its establishment in 1999, Rafizi recalled facing rejection from the public, including educated individuals, when attempting to recruit members.

"Analysts insisted that multi-racial parties have no hope in our country.

"I vividly remember the disappointment when persuading people to join Keadilan (what PKR was called back then). The common response, even from educated individuals, was that 'this multi-racial party in Malaysia is hopeless.'

"Then, during Anwar Ibrahim's jailing, critics claimed we were only fighting for Anwar, asserting there was no hope. These were the political analysts, similar to the ones we have now.

"All these academics predicted our defeat. Yet, when we emerged victorious, they didn't even apologize or acknowledge that PKR's decision was correct," said Rafizi.