SHAH ALAM – Claims that Economy Minister Datuk Seri Rafizi Ramli plans to resign as Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy president and Cabinet member may be linked to health concerns.
Former PKR information coordinating secretary Iswardy Morni, said Rafizi’s decision could be a key contributing factor, given that the electronic voting (e-voting) system had been tested as stable and did not encounter any problems during the recent re-election of PKR branch chiefs.
"I believe health may be the main factor. Rafizi could be facing stress or dissatisfaction with the party’s internal processes,” he said.
"If Rafizi remains firm in his decision to step down, it is also possible that there are other reasons, such as the recent defeats of several leaders close to him,” he told Sinar Harian on Sunday.
Previously, Rafizi was reported to have expressed his intention to step down as PKR deputy president during a meeting with his supporters, which took place after the PKR Central Leadership Council (MPP) meeting on April 23.
However, sources dismissed claims that Rafizi had vacated his office.
According to a report by Sin Chew Daily, his loyal supporters said that Rafizi’s move was driven by dissatisfaction with the party’s election system, which was deemed unfair.
Iswardy added that the e-voting system had been confirmed to be functioning well by auditors from a foreign firm on May 1.