KLANG: Battered by the exit of party stalwarts and dismal electoral outings over the past two years, PKR is racing against time to find a new formula to take on the 15th General Election.
Many observers have regarded the upcoming PKR elections as an opportunity for "rejuvenation'', and after the Johor state election concluded in mid-March, Rafizi Ramli announced his return to active politics.
Rafizi's return may not have bode well with several party leaders, and when the former Pandan MP announced his intention to contest deputy presidency, it ruffled even more feathers.
Speculation is rife that PKR secretary-general Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail is set to lock horns with Rafizi over the deputy president position.
Though no official announcement has been made at present, Saifuddin on Sunday (March 27) said the position he will contest at the incoming party election will be a position of "great impact".
Both Rafizi and Saifuddin have their own core supporters and also critics in PKR, which raised questions on whether the closely-fought contest could split the party ahead of GE15.
Outspoken Kapar MP Datuk Abdullah Sani Abdul Hamid said the party’s continued success depended on who would helm the party’s number two position, which was left vacant after Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali's departure in 2020.
Abdullah Sani said PKR had learnt a bitter lesson about two years ago on how disloyalty could create extensive damage to the party.
“We need a leader who will not abandon the party during difficult times,’’ said Abdullah Sani who will be contesting for a vice president’s post.
He added that the person voted in to become the deputy president must also be someone that is loyal and close to party president Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Going by this, I strongly feel that the most suitable person to become the party’s deputy president is our current secretary-general - Saifuddin,’’ added Abdullah Sani.
He added Saifuddin was someone who was respected by all and can unite party members as well as heal any previous grievances.
PKR’s Sentosa assemblyman Gunaraj George had similar opinions, as he argued that Saifuddin was indeed the right man for the job.
“He has been the secretary-general for a long time and gets on very well with Anwar and this is very important for the future of the party,’’ said Gunaraj who has also been requested to contest for one of the vice president’s posts.
Gunaraj said whoever contesting for any position in the party polls must also come in strictly as a party member and not as part of a think tank or any other civil society group.
However, PKR stalwart and Subang MP Wong Chen feels that Rafizi should be deputy president, as the former Pandan MP has a track record in leading the party through a general election.
"I am friends with and have respect for both, but Rafizi will be my preferred choice for deputy president.
"Rafizi was instrumental in galvanising the party for the 14th General Election and PKR emerged the largest party from Pakatan. He has excellent and proven leadership qualities," said Wong.
Following GE14 in May 2018, PKR had 50 MPs in the former Pakatan Harapan government, followed by DAP's 42 MPs, Parti Amanah Negara's 11 and Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) 26.
The "Sheraton Move" saw the exit of Bersatu and 11 MPs from PKR, triggering the collapse of the Pakatan government.
In the ensuing months, several MPs announced their resignation from PKR, among them Kuala Langat MP Dr Xavier Jayakumar, Julau MP Larry Sng, Tebrau MP Steven Choong, and Lubok Antu MP Jugah Muyang.
The exodus that gradually took place eventually left PKR with only 35 MPs at present.
Meanwhile, PKR vice president Chang Lih Kang says he will be rooting for Rafizi and stressed that new elements in the present party leadership is crucial to regain public confidence.
"We need leaders whom the public trusts and leaders who are able to formulate convincing narratives.
"Rafizi fits in well," said Chang, adding that Rafizi is also "baggage-free" from the 22-month Pakatan administration.
At the same time, Chang, who's Tanjung Malim MP, said that although the party election is an internal matter, public opinion must be taken into consideration.
Chang argued that the next PKR deputy president must be publicly accepted, as the "core business" of a political party is to win elections.
"If the deputy president can only have traction among members but not the public, then we might face the situation of 'menang sorak kampung tergadai'," said Chang, who referred to a quote recently used by former party vice president Nurul Izzah Anwar.
Chang also said he is still in the midst of making a decision on which position to contest in the upcoming party elections.
"I'm still considering," said Chang, adding that an announcement will be made next week.
Speculation is rife that Chang is part of Rafizi's team when he runs for deputy president in the party polls.
It is believed that among party stalwarts who will be part of Rafizi's team in the party polls, also included Nurul Izzah.
Nurul Izzah, on March 20, said PKR should have concentrated on preparations to take on GE15, but also noted that she is still undecided on contesting in the upcoming party election.
Nurul Izzah stepped down as party vice president in December 2018 and recently in February this year, she announced her return to politics.
Attempts to contact Nurul Izzah were unsuccessful as at press time.
Jeffrey Cheah Institute on Southeast Asia (JIC) political analyst Prof Wong Chin Huat said Saifuddin is a "safe pair of hands", but PKR, in its present form, may need more excitement.
"Rafizi has so far shown a different pathway than what Anwar has been offering, such as not aiming for power in the short term and hence not driven by expediency.
Wong also said Rafizi's leadership style is different, as the former Pandan MP does not blindly criticise his political opponents.
"He offers voters solutions to problems, rather than just slamming rival parties," added Wong.
The PKR elections for the 2022 - 2025 term will take place from May 13 to 19.